Congenital Lower Extremity Anomaly Pathology and Reconstruction: A Review of the Literature

With the advent of the subspecialty of orthoplastic surgery, there has been a greater involvement of plastic surgeons in limb reconstruction, congenital anomalies, and salvage procedures. Understanding embryology helps plastic surgeons better understand how to reconstruct lower extremity congenital defects and how development of the lower limb affects what can be done to reconstruct the adult lower limb. There is significant discussion in the literature regarding embryology and development of craniofacial structures and the upper extremity; however, the development of the lower limb remains largely unexplored. This review aims to elucidate the embryologic development of the lower limb, congenital anomalies that may present to the plastic surgeon, and reconstructive options.