A method for measuring skin tension.
A simple device for measuring skin tension across a surgical incision was developed and tested. The device consists of a semicircular stainless steel stress member fitted with strain gauges in a wheatstone bridge configuration. The stress member transforms the external strain to a level that allows the strain gauges to function within their full dynamic range of five percent. A strain gauge reader was used to digitize the strain. Forces ranging from 0.5 grams to 500 grams were reliably measured with the device. A calibration curve was constructed, relating force to strain. The data acquired from three surgical tests of the device indicate that it is extremely easy to use, takes very little time to operate, and is compact. The tensiometer may aid in the development of a more quantitative description of in vivo skin tension. It is also possible to indicate suture strength required for a particular incision or the direction of the incision to minimize scarring.