Finite element analysis of skin closure stress in different directions / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:Mechanical factors play an important role in wound healing and scar formation. Finite element model is established to stimulate, analyze and optimize different sutures, which has become a hotspot to guide surgies accurately. OBJECTIVE:To analyze the stress distribution of different simple interrupted suturing directions on the skin wound by establishing the skin finite element model, and to provide basic data for the study of scar formation. METHODS:Porcine back skin uniaxial tensile test was performed to provide reference for the mechanical properties of human skin. Orthotropic skin wound model was established using ABAQUS to calculate the stress distribution on the wound in different suturing directions. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:The anisotropic mechanical properties of skin wound influenced the suture stress significantly. The elastic modulus along the Langer’s line was larger than that in the vertical direction. The stress increased orderly in the Langer’s line direction, the Langer’s line deflected 30°, bias Langer’s line 45° and vertical Langer’s line. These results suggest that the clinical incision should be made along the Langer’s line direction. Additional y, the cut at an angle with Langer’s line can also reduce the stress of suture.