OasisLMS

Open lower extremity fractures are complex injuries associated with significant risks of complications, functional impairment, and healthcare costs. Optimal outcomes depend on timely, evidence-based management of both the fracture and surrounding soft-tissue injuries. A coordinated orthoplastic approach, integrating orthopedic and reconstructive surgical expertise, is essential. The reconstructive surgeon plays a key role throughout the entire care pathway—from initial assessment and treatment planning through definitive soft-tissue coverage and reconstruction.

Intended Audience

This educational activity is intended for all CME-related persons including plastic surgery practitioners, residents, and other healthcare professionals.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this activity, participants will be able to:

1.  Describe the principles of early and definitive management of lower extremity trauma and the importance of an evidence-based approach to these complex injuries
2.  List the benefits of a collaborative orthoplastic approach to decision-making and management in patients undergoing limb salvage
3.  Assess the need for formalized guidelines and treatment protocols to optimize the management of lower extremity trauma.

Mark D. Mishu, MD
Sami Ramadan, MBBS
Jason M. Souza, MD

Editor-in-Chief: Kevin Chung, MD

Co-Editor: Amy Colwell, MD

Section Editors: John Y.S. Kim, MD

• Patient Care and Procedural Skills
• Medical Knowledge
• Practice-based Learning and Improvement

Accreditation

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation

The ASPS designates this enduring material for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

AMA PRA Category 1 CreditTM: 1.0

Media: Journal Article

Release Date: 9/1/2026

Expiration Date: 9/1/2029*

Estimated time to complete this course: 1 hour

*Course access ends on course expiration date

Disclosure Policy

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) requires all instructors, planners, reviewers, managers and other individuals in a position to control or influence the content of an activity to disclose all relevant financial relationships or affiliations. All identified conflicts of interest must be resolved and the educational content thoroughly vetted by ASPS for fair balance, scientific objectivity and appropriateness of patient care recommendations. ASPS also requires faculty/authors to disclose when off-label/unapproved uses of product are discussed in a CME activity or included in related materials.

Disclaimer: All relevant financial relationships for planners, faculty and others in control of content (either individually or as a group) are reviewed by the ASPS Continuing Education Committee and have been mitigated, if applicable.

The following planners and faculty members have no relevant financial relationships or affiliations to disclose:
Mark D. Mishu, MD
Sami Ramadan, MBBS

The following planners and faculty members have a relevant financial relationships or affiliations to disclose:

Jason M. Souza, MD

Jason M. Souza,MD is a consultant for Integrum, Inc., Balmoral Medical LLC, Checkpoint, Inc., AtriCure, Inc., and Neuros Medical, Inc. 

The following planners and faculty members have no relevant financial relationships or affiliations to disclose:

Editor-in-Chief: Kevin Chung, MD

Co-Editor: Amy Colwell, MD

Section Editors: John Y.S. Kim, MD

Recognition Statement

The Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits offered by this activity are enhanced by ASPS Learner Credit Reporting for learners who have opted into this reporting. Successful completion of this CME activity enables active American Board of Surgery (ABS) members the opportunity to earn credit toward the CME requirement of the ABS's Continuous Certification program when claimed within 30 days of completion of the activity.

Directly provided by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS®)

Participants in ASPS-accredited education who want their CME credits reported to certifying and state licensing boards must opt-in to reporting and add their NPI as well as state license ID and/or collaborating board ID(s) before claiming credit.