Abstract
Background Mechanical skin stretching (SS) is now becoming one of the commonly sought after
procedures for wound healing. This study was aimed to assess the efficacy of preoperative
SS for the closure of large wounds and to evaluate various postoperative outcome parameters.
Methodology An observational study was conducted from December 2017 to May 2019 where a sample
size of 30 patients was included with inclusion criteria being wounds of ≥5 cm width
that require surgical management, presence of sufficient healthy skin edge of the
wound/scar (at least one) for the stretching procedure, and age between 18 and 70
years. SS devices used were the top closure tension relief system. Postoperatively,
various parameters were recorded to evaluate outcomes and complications.
Results Majority of wounds that is 16 (53.3%) were <50 cm2 , 9 (30%) were between 50 and 75 cm2 , and 5 (16.7%) were >75 cm2 . The mean duration of stretch was 2.3 ± 0.82 weeks. For 30 wounds treated with staged
cycles of wound closure, there was a significant difference between every two visit
points, i.e., 10%. The mean patient-reported patient and observer scar assessment
scale score was 3.5 ± 0.93. Twenty-five cases (83.3%) had uneventful postoperative
recovery. Twenty-seven patients (90%) reported an improved aesthetic outcome. Fourteen
patients (46.7%) reported some improvement in function.
Conclusion The study concluded that the SS devices are the simple and effective method for the
primary closure of large and challenging wounds and skin defects.
Keywords Skin - Tension - Stretching - Device - Wound
