Extremity reconstruction

Our extremity reconstruction service is provided by a trauma plastic surgery team made up of orthopaedic and plastic surgeons, all of whom have a specific interest in serious injury and trauma to the upper and lower limbs.

Consultants within the department have been instrumental in developing and writing the standards of care for the open lower limb fractures guide produced by the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons and the British Orthopaedic Association.

Conditions and treatments

We work as a multidisciplinary team to surgically reconstruct the most seriously injured arms and legs. We primarily treat patients who need emergency reconstructive surgery following serious injuries such as open fractures, but our service also treats patients suffering with the long-lasting effects of a previous injury.

Our priority with any open fracture (these are fractures where the bone has come through the skin) is to get the break in the bones stabilised and to ensure that the skin and tissues over the fracture are healthy so they can heal. This can involve several operations especially in cases where you have lost either skin or bone. Your treatment may involve what is known as an external fixator. This is a device which stabilises a fracture from the outside. These can be used as a temporary measure or in some instances they may be used to stabilise your fracture until it has healed.

Further online resources

• British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons
• British Orthopaedic Association