Foundations for the Successful Establishment of a Multidisciplinary Orthoplastic Surgery Team

Orthoplastic surgery, a multidisciplinary approach to addressing complex, traumatic reconstruction, has grown significantly since its emergence over three decades ago. Its success in improving both functional and reconstructive outcomes has led to an increased demand for orthoplastic surgeons and the development of dedicated limb salvage programs at institutions around the world. This review outlines the development of a multidisciplinary orthoplastic surgery program at a Level 1 trauma center in the United States, which serves as a major tertiary referral hub for complex extremity trauma and reconstruction. Central to the success of this practice is collaboration between multiple surgical and medical subspecialists. Coordination of our program is enhanced through center-supported staff such as nurse navigators and practice managers. The goal of this review article is to highlight the foundations that our program is built on and provide a framework for other institutions to emulate when establishing an orthoplastic surgery program.