title: An inexpensive method of intraoperative skin stretching for closure of large cutaneous wounds.
abstract: A simple and inexpensive method for closure of large wounds is presented. A rib approximator and two spinal needles, which are readily available in most operating rooms, have been utilized to close large cutaneous wounds of the chest and thigh after flap harvest.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
authors.forename: D L
authors.initials: DL
authors.lastname: Abramson
authors.forename: L A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Gibstein
authors.forename: J J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Pribaz
mesh_terms: D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004548:Elasticity; D006801:Humans; D007432:Intraoperative Period; D012867:Skin / Q000503:physiopathology; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000191:economics; D015626:Tissue Expansion; D014945:Wound Healing