Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences

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ISSN 1681-715X

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ORIGINAL ARTICLE

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Volume 23

July - September 2007

Number  4


 

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A modified technique for application of tissue expanders
for extremities in burn scars patients

Abdolazim Ghalambor1

ABSTRACT

Background: Tissue expansion is considered a major advancement in reconstructive surgery. However, there are limitations to their application in the extremities and carries relatively higher rates of complications. The aim of this study was to propose a modification to this technique and assess the rate of complications with slower rate of expansion.

Methodology: Thirty females (age range 14 to 40) with burn scars in the upper or lower extremity (15 cases in each) were the subjects of this investigation. Various sized rectangular expanders were used and expanded at a rate of 5% of the maximum inflatable size over 20 weeks.

Results: All of the cases of expansion completed the procedure uneventfully. In one case that developed necrosis at the edge of the flap, one week after removal of the expander, which was debrided and repaired successfully completed the treatment.

Conclusion: Slow expansion method is a useful method which can safely be applied for burn scars in the extremities.

KEY WORDS: Tissue expanders, Slow expansion, Extremities, Burn scars.

Pak J Med Sci   July - September 2007   Vol. 23 No. 4   530-533


1. Abdolazim Ghalambor,
Associate Professor in Plastic Surgery,
Head of department of Plastic Surgery,
Taleghani Hospital,
Jondi Shapur University of Medical Sciences,
Ahwaz – Iran.

Correspondence

Abdolazim Ghalambor,
E-mail: ghalambor_a@yahoo.com

* Received for Publication: January 4, 2007
* Accepted: April 3, 2007


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