The Division of Neuroplastic Reconstruction provides reconstructive care for patients with complex disorders of the brain, spine, peripheral nerves, and cranial soft tissues. Working alongside neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, infectious disease, wound care, rehabilitation medicine, and oncology, the Division manages challenging defects resulting from trauma, cancer, congenital conditions, infection, and complications of prior surgery.

The Division was established to integrate reconstructive surgery into the care of neurologic disease from the earliest stages of treatment. Rather than serving only as a resource for wound coverage, reconstructive planning begins alongside the treatment of the underlying disease. This approach helps preserve reconstructive options, reduce complications, improve wound healing, and support better long-term functional outcomes.

The Division specializes in reconstruction of complex cranial, spinal, and peripheral nerve defects. Areas of expertise include:

• Complex scalp and cranial reconstruction

• Reconstruction following brain and spinal tumor surgery

• Management of spinal wound complications and exposed instrumentation

• Microsurgical free tissue transfer for cranial and spinal defects

• Peripheral nerve reconstruction and nerve transfers

• Management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks and complex cranial wounds

• Reconstruction following trauma and infection

Patients are evaluated through a multidisciplinary model that brings reconstructive surgeons together with the physicians directing their neurologic care. Early collaboration allows reconstructive planning to occur before problems develop, streamlining treatment while preserving future reconstructive options.

The Division maintains an active clinical research program focused on improving outcomes in neuroplastic reconstruction. Current areas of investigation include:

• Outcomes following complex spinal reconstruction

• Prevention and management of wound complications after neurosurgical procedures

• Microsurgical techniques for cranial and spinal reconstruction

• Peripheral nerve reconstructive strategies

• Multidisciplinary care pathways for neuroreconstructive patients

• Surgical innovation and quality improvement

Research efforts emphasize improving patient outcomes, refining reconstructive techniques, and developing evidence-based strategies for managing complex neurologic defects.

Education is a central mission of the Division. Faculty participate in the training of:

• Medical students

• Plastic Surgery residents

• Neurosurgery residents

• Orthopedic Surgery residents

• Microsurgery fellows

Training focuses on multidisciplinary patient care, reconstructive decision-making, microsurgical techniques, and peripheral nerve surgery. Learners participate in the evaluation and management of complex cranial and spinal defects while gaining experience in clinical research and quality improvement.