Background

 Lower extremity reconstruction is often a challenging prospect with major implications on a patient's quality of life. For complex defects of the lower extremity, special consideration must be given to ensure suitable and durable coverage. In the following article, we present the essential local muscle flaps for lower extremity reconstruction and discuss guiding principles for the reconstructive surgeon to consider.

Methods

 A thorough literature review was performed using PubMed to identify commonly used local muscle flaps for lower extremity reconstruction. Common considerations for each identified flap were noted.

Results

 The essential local muscle flaps for lower extremity reconstruction were identified and classified based on anatomical region of the defect to be reconstructed. General considerations and postoperative management were discussed to aid in operative decision making.

Conclusion

 While many factors must be taken into account when performing lower extremity reconstruction, there are numerous reliable local muscle flaps which can be used to successfully provide durable coverage for a variety of soft tissue defects of the lower extremity.