Soft tissue coverage for posttraumatic reconstruction.

Posttraumatic foot and ankle reconstruction requires careful preoperative planning to reduce wound complications. Systemic and local factors need to be considered. A careful surgical technique can avoid the need for surgical soft tissue coverage. Recognition of the need for coverage preoperatively improves outcomes. Often, dressings and time allow minor wound complications to heal. More severe wound issues require early soft tissue coverage by local or free flaps to prevent failure of the surgery.