Cutaneous expansion using enforced position in the treatment of large skin defects.

ABSTRACT

This paper presents a new method of reconstruction of a large skin defect, e.g., following excision of a giant pigmented nevus. By taking advantage of the flexibility of the joints and the extensibility of skin in the children, the large defects were closed in one stage by an enforced position that allows an easy closure of the wound. The scar was protected against stretching for 6 weeks to obtain sufficient strength. Later, free movements across the joints were permitted to allow gradual tension to the skin surrounding the scar. The final result is a permanent gain of the tissue replacing the defect.