ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the biomechanical properties of different polypropylene meshes, so as to select the proper mesh for breast ptosis correction as inner bra.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Mini-pigs were used as animal model. Four different polypropylene meshes were implanted subcutaneously at abdomen. 90 d later, the specimens were taken out for biomechanical study.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The tensile strength, stress, relaxation and creep of the four meshes were different. The material and the knitting of the four meshes were different.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The biomechanical properties of relaxation and creep are important in maintaining the postoperative breast figure. Premilene Mesh LP is a new and light polypropylene mesh with mini-pores. Its biomechanical properties are superior to the others.</p>
Subject(s)
Animals , Female , Biocompatible Materials , Biomechanical Phenomena , Mammaplasty , Mammary Glands, Animal , General Surgery , Materials Testing , Polypropylenes , Swine , Swine, Miniature , Tensile StrengthABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the age-related change in biomechanical properties of the costal cartilage and its relevance to the timing of ear reconstruction with costal cartilage framework.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The patients of 5 to 25 years old were divided into three groups according to their age. The biomechanical properties of costal cartilage harvested from these patients during ear reconstruction were tested, including stree-strain relationship, stress relaxation and creep, tensile strength. All the results were analyzed statistically.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The costal cartilage from children group had the best biomechanical properties, while the costal cartilage from the adolescent group had the worst. The difference had a statistically significance (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The biomechanical properties of costal cartilage are age-related. So it is recommended that ear reconstruction with costal cartilage framework should be performed in childhood when the costal cartilage has the best biomechanical properties.</p>