title: Using tissue expanders in spinal surgery for deficient soft tissue or postirradiation cases.
abstract: Prior irradiation and scarring can complicate wound closure following spinal surgery. Implanted tissue expanders were used six times in four patients to aid skin closure. Three patients had prior irradiation for cancer, and one had myelomeningocele. The average interval between placement and removal of the expanders was 46 days. Two late failures occurred because of prominent hardware. These expanders may provide adequate myocutaneous covers following spinal surgery in difficult cases.
authors.affiliation: Norwich Orthopedic Group, Connecticut.
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Paonessa
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Zide
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Errico
authors.forename: G L
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Engler
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007796:Laminectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D013131:Spine / Q000601:surgery*; D015625:Tissue Expansion Devices