Skeletal deformities due to tissue expanders: report of two patients

Area of Science:

• Plastic Surgery
• Pediatric Burn Reconstruction
• Skeletal Deformity

Background:

• Reconstructive surgery is often necessary for severe burn scars in children.
• Tissue expanders are a common tool in complex reconstructive procedures.
• Long-term effects of tissue expanders in pediatric burn patients require ongoing investigation.

Observation:

• Two pediatric patients who underwent reconstructive surgery for burn scars experienced significant skeletal deformities.
• Deformities were noted in the rib cage and skull, specifically in the areas underlying tissue expanders.
• These skeletal changes were observed after the removal of tissue expanders.

Findings:

• Tissue expander use in pediatric burn reconstruction can result in secondary skeletal deformities.
• The underlying bone (rib cage, skull) can be affected by the presence of tissue expanders.
• The observed deformities did not necessitate immediate treatment.

Implications:

• Awareness of potential skeletal deformities is crucial for surgeons performing pediatric burn reconstructions with tissue expanders.
• Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms and long-term consequences of these deformities.
• This highlights the importance of vigilant post-operative monitoring in pediatric reconstructive surgery.