Three-dimensional finite element analysis of skin suture Part 1: Spindle model and S-shaped modified model

Suturing of postoperative wounds in skin unfortunately leads to extrusion o f the skin, resulting in so-called "dog ear". We performed three-dimensiona l finite element method (FEM) analyses to investigate how suture methods af fect the height of the extrusion. Three models were prepared: (1) conventio nal suture method Sp: (2) S-shaped modified suture model Si-l. in which one side of the curves is introverted; and (3) another S-shaped suture model S i-2, in which both sides of the curves are introverted. The results of FEM analysis agreed well with the figure and location of the extrusions in clin ical suture surgery and the height of the extrusion was mimicked visually i n three dimensions. The height of the extrusion peak of the S-shaped modifi ed suture method Si-l was decreased by 40% in comparison with the conventio nal suture method Sp. (C) 2001 IPEM. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.