Tissue expansion: A simple technique for complex traumatic soft tissue defects

Post-traumatic soft tissue loss results in significant functional and esthetic morbidity. Reconstruction is often limited by shortage of soft tissues. Esthetic and functional restorations are possible by generation of well-matched autogenous sensate tissue by tissue expansion. Fifteen (nine females and six males) cases of large and complex soft tissue defects after trauma, age ranging from 7 to 43 years of age, were managed by tissue expansion over a period of 22 months. Indications were post-burn scars of the face (five), post-burn alopecia (three), avulsion injury scalp (one), massive abdominal wall defect (one), post-crush injury ankylosis of the right elbow (one), and post-burn contracture of the neck (three). Tissue expansion was well tolerated by all patients. Major complications seen were accidental implant deflation (6.6%) and partial implant exposure (6.6%). Minor complications were seen in 20% of the cases. Tissue expansion is slow and staged but a simple and safe reconstructive technique for managing large post-traumatic soft tissue loss with excellent results.