Over the past 30 years options for the soft tissue management of traumatic defects
have increased with an improved understanding of pedicled flaps, the advent of
microsurgery, and the development of negative pressure sponge therapy. Wound
complications have decreased due to advances in antibiotic therapy and better
debridement techniques. Improved knowledge of surgical anatomy has helped
develop surgical incisions which provide better exposure while preserving regional
blood supply. Despite these advances, there is still a need for every surgeon to
know the techniques of debridement, soft tissue management, and proper incision
placement—for these are the foundation of successful surgery