[Plastic-surgical reconstruction of the lower extremity in senior patients]

The proportion of patients in the population beyond the 7th decade of life is increasing worldwide, especially in highly developed countries. Consequently, there is also an increasing need for complex lower extremity reconstructions after trauma, tumors, or infections in this age group. The reconstruction of soft tissue defects of the lower extremity should be performed according to the principle of the plastic-reconstructive ladder or elevator. The goal of reconstruction is to restore anatomy and function of the lower extremity to enable pain-free and stable standing and walking; however, for older patients in particular, a careful preoperative multidisciplinary planning, detailed preoperative assessment and optimization of comorbidities, such as diabetes, malnutrition or pathological vascular alterations, as well an age-adapted perioperative management are necessary. By implementing these principles, older and very old patients can maintain their mobility and autonomy, which are crucial for a high quality of life.