[Application of delayed skin-stretching device in treatment of skin and soft tissue defects].

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.