Radical debridement, free flap coverage, and immediate reconstruction of the upper extremity

Radical debridement allows the surgeon to prevent infection by skillful use of the scalpel. It is also the necessary foundation for the microsurgical techniques of applying emergency free flaps and performing immediate reconstruction. These techniques ultimately result in fewer days spent in the hospital for patients, a more rapid return to work and other activities, higher levels of functional recovery, and lower costs in the long term for the health care system.