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Web space traction device: an effective way for the prevention of web space skin graft contraction

A preliminary study

  • Original Paper
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European Journal of Plastic Surgery Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Severe postburn web space contracture is a major challenge to the plastic surgeon. Surgical release and skin grafting are frequently associated with contracture recurrence (web creep).

Methods

In an attempt to prevent web space contracture recurrence after surgical release and skin grafting, a special traction device was fabricated and used postoperatively after skin grafting in 11 patients (31 web spaces). The patients were observed for web creep and development of complications for 6 to 15 months.

Results

From a total of 31 web spaces, recurrence occurred in 7 web spaces only, and the cause of recurrence in 3 of them was pressure necrosis of the skin graft due to excessive traction; the recurrence in the other 4 webs was due to inconsistent adherence to the traction regimen.

Conclusion

The web space traction device is a new, easily made, well tolerated, and effective way to prevent web creep formation following skin grafting.

Level of Evidence: Level IV, therapeutic study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Surgery, Tawam Hospital in affiliation with Johns Hopkins Medicine Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 15258, Al Ain City, United Arab Emirates

    Harith Abduljabbar Alani

  2. Department of Surgery, College of medicine, Al Nahrain University, Baghdad, Iraq

    Ahmed Abdul Razzaq

  3. Scientific Council of Plastic Surgery, Iraqi Board for Medical Specializations, Baghdad, Iraq

    Zakaria Y. Arajy

Authors
  1. Harith Abduljabbar Alani
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  2. Ahmed Abdul Razzaq
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  3. Zakaria Y. Arajy
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Correspondence to Harith Abduljabbar Alani.

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Alani, H.A., Abdul Razzaq, A. & Arajy, Z.Y. Web space traction device: an effective way for the prevention of web space skin graft contraction. Eur J Plast Surg 35, 873–880 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-012-0746-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00238-012-0746-7

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