The Prediction of Limits to in-Plane Compressive Strain on Human Skin in Respect of Reconstructive Surgery

Abstract

Reconstructive surgery of the human skin frequently requires angles to be opened or closed. The magnitude of such angular deformation that can be achieved without buckling is highly variable. Pre-operative knowledge of the maximum possible angular deformation would assist design. In vitro tests were carried out to investigate the possibility of a relationship between the in plane uniaxial compressive strain to cause buckling and the angular deformation to cause buckling; as in-plane uniaxial compressive strain is non-destructive and therefore possible pre-operatively. Relationships between the uniaxial and angular deformations to initiate buckling are proposed.