Lower Extremity Surgical Anatomy

This chapter reviews the anatomy of the lower extremity with particular attention to clinically relevant or commonly useful key points. Plastic and reconstructive surgeons will be required to be able to identify which structures of the lower extremity are functional or are expected to be functional and those that are absent or devitalized. Knowledge of the lower extremity anatomy is one of the many tools the surgeon uses to determine recommendations for limb-threatening injuries. The femur carries the structural support of the lower extremity and less the tibia. Anterior tibial veins exit the extensor region between the fibula and the tibia, pass through the proximal part of the interosseous membrane, and eventually come together with the posterior tibial veins at the distal region of the popliteus to form the popliteal vein. The lateral and medial circumflex femoral arteries supply the lateral thigh muscles and the proximal end of the femur.