Long-term results of wounds closed under a significant amount of tension.
BACKGROUND
The authors present the long-term follow-up of scars on various locations up to 7 years postoperatively, after closure of large skin defects with the use of a skin-stretching device.


METHODS
In a prospective, nonrandomized study of 30 patients whose initial wound could not be closed primarily without using a significant amount of tension, a complete follow-up of 24 cases was possible. Patients were observed preoperatively, postoperatively, and at long-term follow-up (mean, 7 years) for wound control and scar evaluation.


RESULTS
In 28 cases (93 percent), successful closure of a large defect was achieved. In the other two cases, a split-thickness skin graft was needed for wound closure. With respect to long-term scar formation after 7 years (24 cases), scarring was observed mainly on the scalp (average, 56 percent), back (average, 52 percent), and shoulder (average, 53 percent). On the extremities, including thigh and groin, there was significantly less scarring (p = 0.0004; average, 10 percent). Three weeks after the operation, 23 percent of the total scar formation had already occurred, whereas 57 percent occurred by 3 months postoperatively and 83 percent occurred by 6 months postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates the considerable difference in scar formation among scalp, back, and shoulder defects compared with those on the extremities, groin, and thigh.
Melis
Paris
P
Department of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Hand Surgery, Red Cross Hospital, Beverwijk, The Netherlands. parismel@xs4all.nl
van Noorden
Cornelis J F
CJ
van der Horst
Chantal M A M
CM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing