Minimal Scar Formation After Orthopaedic Skin Incisions Along Main Folding Lines.

Abstract

Patients, particularly those who are young, often develop noticeable orthopaedic scars. In order to achieve minimal scarring, surgeons should attempt to place incisions in skinfolds or skin creases. Optimal incision lines can be determined from the direction of stretch marks (striae distensae), which develop perpendicular to lines of tension or main folding lines. A composite diagram of photographs of 213 individuals with striae distensae was created and compared with 276 images of incisions and scars derived from the Internet. Classically described Langer cleavage lines often run counter to real tension lines and poorly predict the optimal direction for skin incisions. Whenever possible, main folding lines should be utilized as a guide in planning surgical incisions for young patients as well as for correction of problem scars.