A review of skin meshers

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Surgical Innovation
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Full thickness skin expansion predates widespread clinical use of mesh skin grafting.
• Early mesh skin grafting pioneers developed initial instrumentation, including flat blocks and roller devices (Mesh Dermatome types I and II).
• The development of skin meshing technology has progressed significantly, with current devices offering interchangeable rollers and diverse expansion capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To classify and detail various skin mesher models, including historical and contemporary devices.
• To review the fundamental principles underlying skin mesher operation and design.
• To introduce a general formula for the objective comparison of skin meshers.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical and contemporary literature on skin meshing devices.
• Classification of different skin mesher models based on design and functionality.
• Development of a general formula for quantitative comparison of skin expansion ratios.

Main Results:

• Detailed classification and description of various skin mesher models, from early prototypes to modern Zimmer Skin Meshers.
• Review of the basic principles governing the expansion of skin using meshing techniques.
• Presentation of a general formula enabling objective comparison of different skin mesher devices.

Conclusions:

• The evolution of skin meshing devices has led to significant advancements in reconstructive surgery.
• A standardized method for comparing skin meshers is essential for clinical and research purposes.
• The proposed formula provides an objective basis for evaluating and selecting appropriate skin meshing technology.