Replacement of post-traumatic skin defects in children by tissue stretching with the use of endo-expanders

Abstract

In the clinic for pediatric trauma, CITO, replacement of post-traumatic skin defects by tissue stretching was performed in 11 patients aged 4 to 14 years. 16 expanders were implanted (5 patients with two expanders). Implantation was performed on the lower leg (5 patients), in the projection of the knee joint (2), on the hand, thigh, scalp and in Filatov's stem (one patient each). The area of ​​the replaced cicatricial defects was 20 cm2 on the hand, up to 135 cm2 on the lower leg, and 160 cm2 on the scalp. Preference will be given to double-expander stretching with expanders located on opposite sides of the cicatricial defect. Among the complications, the formation of pressure ulcers of the skin over the valve tube, violation of the tightness of the balloons were noted. Out of 11 patients, the desired result was obtained in 9. The method of tissue stretching with the help of expanders can be used in children to replace post-traumatic defects of the skin of the limbs and scalp.