PubMed · 1395262
Why do most surgical incisions require lengthening? How to avoid it.
Abstract
When an incision is retracted, it shortens because skin does not actually stretch--it only shifts. A mathematical model accurately predicted operating room experience. Average retraction of 30-50% shortens an incision by 15%. Therefore, an incision to expose fixed bony landmarks should be 15% longer than the distance between them.
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J G Wright, M Rang. 1992. Why do most surgical incisions require lengthening? How to avoid it.. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1395262/
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