The Use of Skin Stretching Devices and their Application to Small Animal Cases

Abstract

In human medicine different skin stretching devices are used in order to close large wound deficits. They take advantage of the viscoelastic properties of the skin. Elongation of skin beyond its inherent extensibility results in mechanical creep, which is the vehicle for wound closure using numerous techniques. Skin stretchers gradually bring together the wound edges by applying constant or incremental tension. The purpose of this review is to describe all the surgical options and the various mechanical devices available for skin stretching, in order to extrapolate to primary or delayed primary closure for large and complex skin defects in small animals. [Tsioli V et al (2009) Aust Vet Practit 39:112]