title: A protocol for tissue expansion in upper extremity reconstruction.
abstract: Twenty tissue expanders were used in twelve patients for reconstruction of the upper extremity after trauma or burns with extensive soft tissue loss. A protocol, designed to avoid complications, included defects not exceeding thirty percent of the arm circumference, use of low-profile expanders, and slow expansion. Attention to these details avoided all complications except for transient neuropathies.
authors.affiliation: University of Miami School of Medicine, Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Fla 33101.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Carneiro
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Dichiara
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001132:Arm / Q000601:surgery*; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D015626:Tissue Expansion / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000601:surgery