Progressive skin extension: clinical and histological evaluation of a modified procedure using Kirschner wires

We describe a modification of a skin traction system for progressive skin e xtension before excision of skin lesions. The traction device consists of K irschner wires and plastic straps. It results in more homogeneous traction and greater sparing of healthy skin as compared with the earlier silicone b ar method. Moreover, the procedure results in lower rates of infection, ski n necrosis and breakage of the cutaneous bridges. Histological changes to t he treated skin area are similar to those obtained with skin expansion proc edures.