title: Exploiting the viscoelastic properties of pedal skin with the Sure Closure skin stretching device.
abstract: This manuscript introduces a device for harnessing the inherent viscoelastic properties of skin, to mechanically assist primary and delayed primary wound closure. The current indications, contraindications, and general use of the device are discussed. Also included is an initial series of device applications, with two case reports reviewed in detail.
authors.affiliation: Department of Podiatric Surgery, Monsignor Clement Kern Hospital for Special Surgery, Warren, Michigan, USA.
authors.forename: D G
authors.initials: DG
authors.lastname: Armstrong
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Sorensen
authors.forename: T R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Bushman
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000601:surgery; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004548:Elasticity; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000601:surgery; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014143:Traction; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology