title: Lower extremity positioning to relieve tension during surgical reconstruction.
abstract: Surgical wounds on the lower extremity often suffer from prolonged and poor healing secondary to decreased blood flow, the effects of gravity, and excessive tension placed on the wound. Ensuring perfect apposition of wound edges free of tension during the surgical repair can augment this healing process. The authors detail a simple and effective technique for improving repairs and outcomes when operating on the lower limb by relieving tension on the wound through leg positioning.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, The Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, USA.
authors.forename: Adam J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Mamelak
authors.forename: Ofer
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Arnon
authors.forename: Leonard H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Goldberg
mesh_terms: D062109:Dermatologic Surgical Procedures; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000601:surgery; D035002:Lower Extremity / Q000601:surgery*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011187:Posture; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery; D016896:Treatment Outcome