title: On the use of infinite elements for the determination of optimal closure patterns based on stress analysis.
abstract: Solid infinite elements are used in conjunction with finite elements to compute the stress and displacement distribution resulting from the suturing of wounds of symmetric and nonsymmetric shapes in orthotropic, abdominal human skin. The optimal pattern of suturing of wounds are investigated from a stress perspective. Highly accurate, quantitative and qualitative improvements over the use of finite elements to approximate distant boundaries are obtained. Numerical results quantitatively agree with analytic results computed using complex analysis techniques. The technique used and the results obtained will aid surgeons in closing nonsymmetrical wounds on regions of the body that exhibit orthotropy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mathematical Sciences, Center for Applied Mathematics and Statistitcs, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, NJ 07102, USA. dalc@dalc.njit.edu
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Lott
authors.forename: H R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Chaudhry
mesh_terms: D000005:Abdomen / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D016880:Anisotropy; D003198:Computer Simulation; D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D004548:Elasticity; D020342:Finite Element Analysis; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D011786:Quality Control; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012867:Skin / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D025321:Surgery, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*