Reconstructive Trauma Surgery

Traumatic injuries are severe physical injuries that are caused by blunt force trauma, impact or sharp objects. Car crashes, accidents, physical assault and falls are examples of events that could cause traumatic injuries. Traumatic injuries typically affect the blood vessels, the nerves, the muscles, the tendons, the skin and possibly the bones. They may also affect the internal organs, depending on the location and nature of the trauma. Repair of the blood vessels is known as microvascular surgery. Repair of traumatic injuries require a combined approach of plastic surgery, microvascular surgery, neurosurgery, Gastroenterology surgery and orthopaedic surgery. The surgical approach is formulated through co-ordination between the departments for the best possible outcome. Quick treatment is critical to restoring maximum functionality to the injured body parts.

A skin graft is used to cover a portion of exposed flesh, where the skin has been removed, burnt or torn. This surgical procedure involves removing a piece of healthy skin (called the graft) from another portion of the patient’s body, and surgically patching the wound with the graft. The donor site is chosen based on the type of skin tissue, skin tone and the size of the graft needed to close the wound. A local flap is a skin graft harvested from adjacent to the wound, and retains its network of blood vessels keeping it alive. Microvascular free flaps are completely detached from the donor site, and the surgeon reconnects the blood supply at the wound. Depending on the defect, the exposure of vital structures and availability of surrounding tissues, the surgeon chooses the appropriate tissue for wound cover.