RESUMEN
Objective:To evaluate the clinical effects of adjustable traction skin stretchers used in repair of wounds at the lower leg, foot and ankle.Methods:A retrospective study was performed to analyze the clinical data of 56 patients who had been treated for skin defects at the lower leg, foot and ankle from August 2016 to September 2022 at The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Honghui Hospital, Affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University Medical College, The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan Polytechnic University, and Yunnan Zhongde Orthopedic Hospital. There were 35 males and 21 females, aged (39.9±18.7) years. There were 43 traumatic wounds, 3 burns, 6 inflammatory wounds, 3 relief incisions due to osteofascial compartment syndrome, and 1 scar. The areas of skin defect ranged from 2.5 cm × 2.0 cm to 20.0 cm × 10.0 cm. The duration of wounds was (8.6±7.8) d. All the wounds were repaired with adjustable traction skin stretchers. The row-hook type of skin stretchers was used in 28 cases, the single-rod type in 20 cases, the single-rod type combined with an external fixator in 5 cases, and a combination of the row-hook type and the single-rod type in 3 cases.The time for wound traction closure, color of wound skin margin, skin swelling around the wound, functional recovery of affected limb and complications were recorded.Results:The time from skin stretching to wound closure was (7.8±3.8) d in the 56 patients. The color of wound skin edge after stretching was normal in 16 cases, dark red in 38 cases, and dark in 2 cases; the skin swelling around the wound was degree 1 in 21 cases, degree 2 in 33 cases, and degree 3 in 2 cases. The 56 patients were followed up for (8.9±4.1) months. Primary wound closure was achieved in 48 patients, and secondary wound closure in 8 patients after repair with an autologous skin graft. Partial skin necrosis occurred due to tension blisters after skin stretching in 2 patients, one of whom was repaired with an autologous skin graft and the other of whom by dressing change. Deep bone infection recurred in 2 patients whose wounds healed after their bone defects were repaired using Ilizarov technique of bone transfer. In the 56 patients, the muscle strength of the lower extremity beyond the wound was recovered to normal, and the range of motion of the joints adjacent to the wound also recovered to normal.Conclusion:In repair of wounds at the lower leg, foot and ankle, adjustable traction skin stretchers can lead to fine clinical effects and limited complications, because the stretchers can control the tension of skin digitally and precisely.
RESUMEN
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of a novel self-designed skin-stretching device for skin-soft tissue defects and bone exposure after internal fixation of calcaneal fracture.Methods:From July 2018 to January 2021, 9 patients were treated at Orthopedic Hospital, Southeast Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University for skin-soft tissue defects and bone exposure after internal fixation of calcaneal fracture. They were 6 males and 3 females, aged from 19 to 61 years (mean, 42.6 years). The interval between their initial internal fixation and the present operation ranged from 14 to 75 days (average, 47.3 days). Of them, one developed wound dehiscence due to fat liquefaction, 2 necrosis of skin and soft tissue along the wound edges, and 6 incision infection. Their fusiform skin and soft tissue defects had formed after routine expansion of the wound, with an area of 5.0 cm×2.0 cm to 7.0 cm×3.5 cm, and all their wounds were positive by Pinch test. After a Kirschner wire with a diameter of 2.0 was placed on both sides of the wound, our novel self-designed skin-stretching device was installed. Intraoperatively, depending on the soft tissue conditions on both sides, the wound was closed acutely by about 5 mm in width. The threaded rod of the skin-stretching device was adjusted every day after operation to gradually reduce the wound surface until the wound edge was closed and sutured without tension. During wound stretch, the visual analogue scale (VAS), wound approaching time, stretch speed, wound healing time, complications and the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) for the wound scar at the last follow-up were recorded.Results:All the 9 patients were followed up for 8 to 18 months (average, 12.5 months). The wounds were successfully closed in all the patients. The time for wound closure (till the suture) ranged from 8 to 15 d, averaging 12.1 d; the stretch rate from 1 to 3 mm/d, averaging 2 mm/d; the time for complete wound healing (to the suture removal) from 22 to 30 d, averaging 26.8 d; the VAS score during the stretch from 3 to 7 points, averaging 4.9 points; the VSS score from 2 to 7 points, averaging 4.1 points. There was no recurrence of surgical site infection, skin re-necrosis or reoperation in the patients.Conclusions:In the treatment of skin-soft tissue defects and bone exposure caused by various reasons after internal fixation of calcaneal fracture, our novel self-designed skin-stretching device is an effective in situ wound repair instrument, showing advantages of simple operation, less trauma and high safety. It is suggested that the stretch speed should average 2 mm/d, which is well tolerated by patients.
RESUMEN
Objective:To evaluate a new type of draw-bar skin stretcher in repair of full-thickness skin defects.Methods:From May 2015 to January 2019, 52 patients with full-thickness skin defects were repaired with a new type of draw-bar skin stretcher at Daping Hospital, Army Medical University. They were 40 males and 12 females, aged from 4 to 61 years (average, 37.1 years). Their skin was stretched for primary wound closure. When primary wound closure failed, skin stretching was performed again to close the wound depending on the wound condition. When the Pinch test was negative after skin stretching, the wound was sutured directly. In cases of positive Pinch test, a skin graft or flap was used to repair the remaining wound. At 12 months after surgery, scar contracture and size of skin graft or flap were observed and wound healing after skin stretching was evaluated in comparison with the original wound.Results:After skin stretching, one-stage wound closure was achieved in 36 cases and multi-stage wound closure in 8 cases; of the remaining 8 cases, 2 were repaired by skin graft and 6 by skin flap after their wounds were reduced by skin stretching. In one-stage closed wounds, infection occurred in 3 cases and marginal necrosis in 5 cases; in the wounds repaired by skin graft or flap, no infection or necrosis was observed. The 12-month follow-up for all the patients showed fine healing of all the wounds after one-stage or multi-stage closure, linear scar, absence of scar contracture, and smaller wound sizes than the original ones after skin graft or flap repair.Conclusions:Skin stretching using our new type of draw-bar skin stretcher is an effective treatment for skin wounds. It can replace traditional skin grafting and flap surgery in some cases, but its indications should be strictly followed to avoid related complications.
RESUMEN
Objective To investigate the effect of papaverine on wound healing of full-thickness skin defect after skin stretching in swine. Methods Eight Bama pigs were prepared. Standard full-thickness skin defect for 7 cm × 7 cm was produced in the middle part of each pig 's forelimb, and skin traction was used to close the wound. According to random number table method, the pigs were divided into experiment group and control group, with four pigs in each group. Percutaneous oxygen partial pressure ( TcPO2 ) was compared preoperatively and postoperatively. Wound healing clinical score was evaluated four and 10 days after operation. Weidner counting method was employed to determine the microvascular density (MVD) of the wound edge tissue 0 and 10 days after operation. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1-α ( HIF- 1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) 0, 4 and 10 days after operation. Results There was no statistically significant difference in TcPO2 between the experiment group [(55. 1 ± 5. 4)mmHg] and the control group [(54. 7 ± 5.9)mmHg] before skin stretching (P>0.05), while statistically significant difference was found after stretching[(22.7±3.3)mmHg vs. (16.4±3.4)mmHg] (P <0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in clinical wound healing scores between the control group and experiment group 4 days after skin stretching [(2.6 ±0.7)points vs. (2.1 ±0.4)points] (P>0.05), but better result was found in experiment group compared with the control group in 10 days [(1. 3 ± 0. 5)points vs. (4. 6 ± 0. 7)points] (P<0. 01). MVD of skin tissue showed no statistically significant difference between the control group (8. 5 ± 1. 3) and the experiment group (9. 3 ± 1. 2) immediately after skin stretching ( P>0. 05), while the MVD of wound skin tissue in the experiment group (29. 5 ± 4. 8) was significantly higher than that in the control group (21. 1 ± 3. 4) 10 days after skin stretching (P<0. 01). After skin stretching, the HIF-1 alpha expression in experiment group was significantly higher than the control group 4 days after skin stretching [(50. 0 ± 7. 0) vs. (38. 6 ± 7. 0)] (P < 0. 01), but no statistical significance was found between that at 0 day and 10 days(P>0. 05). The expression of VEGF in the wound skin tissues of the experiment group was significantly higher than that of the control group [(49. 9 ± 10.8) vs. (39.2 ±6.3)] at 4 days after skin stretching (P<0.05), while no statistically significance was found at 0 and 10 days (P>0. 05). Conclusion For full-thickness skin defect after skin stretching in pigs, papaverine can alleviate small vessel spasm, improve skin edge oxygen supply, and promote the growth of microvessels, thus promoting the healing, which might be associated with the increase of HIF-1ɑand VEGF expression.
RESUMEN
Skin-stretching device as a new treatment method of wound closure has been recognized by many discipline fields. Through continuous improvement and adjustment in clinical application, it has achieved remarkable results in some departments. This article summarizes the basic theory, history, classification, and application of skin-stretching devices.
RESUMEN
Objective@#To investigate the effect of papaverine on wound healing of full-thickness skin defect after skin stretching in swine.@*Methods@#Eight Bama pigs were prepared. Standard full-thickness skin defect for 7 cm×7 cm was produced in the middle part of each pig's forelimb, and skin traction was used to close the wound. According to random number table method, the pigs were divided into experiment group and control group, with four pigs in each group. Percutaneous oxygen partial pressure (TcPO2) was compared preoperatively and postoperatively. Wound healing clinical score was evaluated four and 10 days after operation. Weidner counting method was employed to determine the microvascular density (MVD) of the wound edge tissue 0 and 10 days after operation. Immunohistochemistry was used to observe the expression of hypoxia inducible factor 1-α (HIF- 1α) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) 0, 4 and 10 days after operation.@*Results@#There was no statistically significant difference in TcPO2 between the experiment group [(55.1±5.4)mmHg] and the control group [(54.7±5.9)mmHg] before skin stretching (P>0.05), while statistically significant difference was found after stretching [(22.7±3.3)mmHg vs. (16.4±3.4)mmHg] (P<0.01). There was no statistically significant difference in clinical wound healing scores between the control group and experiment group 4 days after skin stretching [(2.6±0.7)points vs. (2.1±0.4)points] (P>0.05), but better result was found in experiment group compared with the control group in 10 days [(1.3±0.5)points vs. (4.6±0.7)points] (P<0.01). MVD of skin tissue showed no statistically significant difference between the control group (8.5±1.3) and the experiment group (9.3±1.2) immediately after skin stretching (P>0.05), while the MVD of wound skin tissue in the experiment group (29.5±4.8) was significantly higher than that in the control group (21.1±3.4) 10 days after skin stretching (P<0.01). After skin stretching, the HIF-1 alpha expression in experiment group was significantly higher than the control group 4 days after skin stretching [(50.0±7.0) vs. (38.6±7.0)] (P<0.01), but no statistical significance was found between that at 0 day and 10 days(P>0.05). The expression of VEGF in the wound skin tissues of the experiment group was significantly higher than that of the control group [(49.9±10.8) vs. (39.2±6.3)] at 4 days after skin stretching (P<0.05), while no statistically significance was found at 0 and 10 days (P>0.05).@*Conclusion@#For full-thickness skin defect after skin stretching in pigs, papaverine can alleviate small vessel spasm, improve skin edge oxygen supply, and promote the growth of microvessels, thus promoting the healing, which might be associated with the increase of HIF-1ɑ and VEGF expression.
RESUMEN
Objective: To summarize the effectiveness of delayed skin-stretching device in treatment of skin and soft tissue defects. Methods: Between December 2014 and December 2016, 10 cases of skin and soft tissue defects were treated with delayed skin-stretching device. There were 6 males and 4 females with an average age of 53 years (range, 42-64 years). The skin and soft tissue defects were caused by acute trauma in 6 cases. The incision could not be closed directly after making incisions because of osseous fascia syndrome in 3 cases. The skin soft tissue defect caused after huge carbuncle incision and drainage in 1 case. The defect located at thigh in 4 cases, lower leg in 3 cases, upper arm in 2 cases, back in 1 case. The defect area ranged from 10 cm×4 cm to 22 cm×12 cm. Pinch test was performed on the wound margin, which confirmed that the wound could not be closed directly. Results: Tension blisters were found in 3 cases during traction, and no complications such as impaired blood circulation or skin necrosis occurred in all cases. Skin defects closed directly after continuously stretching for 7-18 days. No skin graft or free flap repair was performed in all patients. The wound healed well after operation. All the 10 patients were followed up 5-8 months (mean, 6.5 months). There was no necrosis around the wound margin and the scar was linear. The sensation and function were not affected. Conclusion: Delayed skin-stretching device is an effective method to treat skin and soft tissue defects, which has the advantages of simple operation, lower risk of operation, less complications, and reliable effectiveness.
RESUMEN
Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of skin stretching device in repair of diabetic foot wound. Methods: A retrospective analysis was made on the clinical data of 48 cases with diabetic foot wound who were treated with skin stretching device (trial group, n=24) and with the vacuum sealing drainage combined with skin graft (control group, n=24) respectively between October 2015 and July 2016. There was no significant difference in gender, age, side, course of disease, TEXAS stage between 2 groups ( P>0.05). Both patients in 2 groups were treated with sensitive antibiotics according to the results of bacterial culture. Results: One case in control group was infected and the skin graft failed, and 1 case in trial group was infected after the treatment, and the two wounds healed after symptomatic treatment. The wounds of the other patients healed successfully, and the healing time of the trial group was significantly shorter than that of the control group [(12.8±11.6) days vs. (22.3±10.4) days; t=2.987, P=0.005). All patients were followed up 3-12 months after operation, and no wound dehiscence or recurrence occurred during follow-up. Conclusion: Compared with the vacuum sealing drainage combined with skin graft, the application of skin stretching device in the repair of diabetic foot wound has advantages, such as easy to operate, shorten the wound healing time, and the appearance of wound was similar with the adjacent skin.
RESUMEN
Objective: To discuss the efficacy of skin stretcher applied for repair of postoperative skin and soft tissue defects in tibial fractures. Methods: Between April 2016 and March 2017, 15 cases with skin and soft tissue defects after tibial fractures fixation were treated with the skin stretcher. There were 11 males and 4 females with an age of 24-59 years (mean, 37.5 years). The causes of injury included traffic accident in 7 cases, bruise in 3 cases, falling from height in 3 cases, and falling in 2 cases; without nerve and vascular injury in all patients. These cases were followed up 1-3 months after their first surgery, consisting of 3 closed fractures treated with open reduction and plate and screw fixation, 12 open fractures treated with external fixation after debridement. The area of skin defects ranged from 14 cm×5 cm to 20 cm×7 cm, all of which were stripped or spindle shaped skin defects. First, the skin was penetrated by two Kirschner wires which were locked by skin stretchers on both sides of the skin defect longitudinally. Then, the tension of skin stretchers was timely adjusted according to the skin flap blood supply and muscle compression. Finally, Kirschner wires and skin stretchers were removed when the edge of skin contacted and been sutured. Results: All skin and soft tissue defects were covered after stretching for 6-13 days. The interrupted sutured wounds healed at 12 days. Clinical scores of wound healing decreased from 3.40±0.51 at immediate postoperatively to 1.27±0.46 at 12 days postoperatively, showing significant difference ( t=12.911, P=0.000). All the patients were followed up 4-12 months (mean, 6.5 months). After stretching, the skin color, elasticity, and pain and touch feeling were similar with the normal skin, and the hair growth was normal. After operation, 1 case of nail tract infection and 2 cases of calf discomfort occurred, and all were relieved after treatment. Conclusion: It is an effective method for repairing postoperative skin and soft tissue defects in tibial fractures with the application of skin stretchers.
RESUMEN
Objective To examine the effect of ultrasonic debridement combined with continuous skin stretching to repair refractory infective wound bed.Methods From January 2016 to July 2016,we treated 15 cases of chronic,refractory infective wound beds using ultrasonic debridement combined with skin stretching technique.Results All the 15 (100％) cases were cured without necrosis of the stretched skin edges.Conclusions Ultrasonic debridement combined with continuous skin stretching is an appropriate technique for repairing the refractory wound bed in the patients who are older,in poor general condition,or poor condition of local skin and soft tissue,or have poor postoperative effect,or surgical contraindication or at higher risk of surgery.
RESUMEN
Conventional methods of scar revision of wide facial scar are skin graft, local flap coverage, local flap using the tissue expander, and free flap method, but these methods have disadvantages such as color dismatching, deformity of facial structure, inevitable additional scar, great expense, and waste of time. From April 1996 to April 2001, we performed the scar revision of wide facial scar by serial excision using the Sure- Closure(R) in 8 patients. Of these, 4 had scars on the cheeks, 2 on the preauricle, and the remaining 2 on the mentum and temporal area. The mean follow-up period was 18 months, ranging from 6 to 24 months. By pinching the skin on the scar site, we got a rough idea as to whether the available skin on either side of excision margin was sufficient for closure. The tension on the skin margin was 3.0 kilograms and the device was employed over a duration of 50 minutes. A skin stretching device is designed to exploit the viscoelastic properties, that is mechanical creep and stress relaxation. In this study, we use the serial excision with the Sure- Closure(R), because excessive scar excision could result in the deformity of facial structure and wound dehiscence, hypertrophic scar, and skin necrosis. The skin stretching device is easy to use and achieves good aesthetic results in the scar revision of wide facial scar.