FASCIAL RELEASE AS AN ADJUNCT TO WOUND CLOSURE

We describe a simple technique to facilitate the primary closure of sk in defects. Skin, subcutaneous tissue and fascia are undermined as a u nit on both sides of the defect. Fascial releasing incisions are perfo rmed, creating two bipedicled fascial flaps attached to the overlying skin. The fascia is approximated, if possible, and the skin sutured. W e believe this technique offers a number of advantages and results in a superior closure to that obtained with the conventional method of sk ill undermining. This approach has enabled the closure of 10 of 11 med ium sized wounds.