The soft-tissue management was reviewed in 46 consecutive primary and nine revision segmental knee resections with prosthetic reconstruction performed for sarcomas around the knee. From January 1983 until August 1986, before the extensive use of free-tissue transfer in these patients, 20 primary segmental knee reconstructions were performed with five patients receiving gastrocnemius rotation flaps, and one patient receiving a late free flap (Group I). In this group, three patients were converted to an above-knee amputation because of wound problems. From August 1986 to August 1988, free-tissue transfer was available and extensively used in addition to rotation flaps to manage 26 primary (Group II) and nine revision (Group III) segmental knee reconstructions. In contrast to Group I, none of the patients in Groups II or III required amputation or conversion to a nonlimb-sparing procedure for soft-tissue management. None of the patients in this study received radiation therapy to their extremities. Chemotherapy protocols were similar in Groups I and II with 22 of 26 patients in Group I and 19 of 20 in Group II receiving treatment. The availability and expertise to perform free and rotational flaps at the time of initial excision provides greater selection and improved outcome for those patients whose wounds are closed primarily. The capability to perform free and rotation flaps at initial resection and for postoperative wound management is a major determinant of ultimate success in patients having reconstruction after excision of sarcomas about the knee.