Being Prepared for the Next Conflict Part II: Case Analysis of a Military Level 1 Trauma Center.

Introduction: Combat-related injuries have declined substantially in recent years as we have transitioned to a low-volume combat casualty flow era. Surgeons must remain actively committed to training for the next engagement to maintain life and limb-saving skills. Soft tissue coverage procedures were imperative to the management of complex lower extremity trauma that occurred during recent conflicts.

Can Sural Fasciocutaneous Flaps Be Effective in Patients Older Than 65?

Background: Many studies have evaluated the reverse sural fasciocutaneous flap for coverage of wounds on the distal lower extremity, and many of these have focused on younger, healthy patients. However, to our knowledge, there has been no dedicated study focusing on older patients. We believe there is a generalized concern about performing these procedures in older patients because of microvascular changes associated with aging.