Wound coverage using modified tissue expansion

We describe the use of a "lacing apparatus" across large and complex wounds to accomplish wound closure. This technique utilizes the principles of tissue expansion (exploiting inherent extensibility of the skin, mechanical creep, and biologic creep) but is able to employ them in situations...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPlastic and reconstructive surgery (1963) Vol. 102; no. 2; p. 377
Main Authors Concannon, M J, Puckett, C L
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.08.1998
Subjects
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Amputation Stumps - surgery
Arm Injuries - surgery
Disarticulation
Fasciitis, Necrotizing - surgery
Female
Humans
Leg - surgery
Leg Injuries - surgery
Male
Middle Aged
Reoperation
Soft Tissue Injuries - surgery
Surgical Flaps
Suture Techniques - instrumentation
Tissue Expansion - instrumentation
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Summary:We describe the use of a "lacing apparatus" across large and complex wounds to accomplish wound closure. This technique utilizes the principles of tissue expansion (exploiting inherent extensibility of the skin, mechanical creep, and biologic creep) but is able to employ them in situations in which traditional tissue expansion (utilizing implantable expanders) is not practical. After preparation, the wounds are laced with large nylon suture, which is tightened on a daily basis, typically allowing closure of even massive wounds within 8 to 10 days. In this report, we describe the technical details of wound preparation, application of the lacing apparatus, and postoperative execution of the expansion leading to final wound closure. This technique is particularly valuable in the upper arm, trunk, and lower extremity but has limited application in the distal forearm and the distal third of the lower extremity.
ISSN:0032-1052
1529-4242
DOI:10.1097/00006534-199808000-00012