Local skin flaps have revolutionized reconstructive surgery. Mechanical loading is critical for flap survival: Excessive tissue tension reduces blood supply and induces tissue necrosis. However, skin flaps have never been analyzed mechanically. Here we explore the stress profiles of two common flap designs, direct advancement flaps and double back-cut flaps. Our simulations predict a direct correlation between regions of maximum stress and tissue necrosis. This suggests that elevated stress could serve as predictor for flap failure. Our model is a promising step towards computer-guided reconstructive surgery with the goal to minimize stress, accelerate healing, minimize scarring, and optimize tissue use.

中文翻译：

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皮肤的计算建模：使用应力分布作为重建手术中组织坏死的预测因子

局部皮瓣彻底改变了重建手术。机械负荷对于皮瓣的存活至关重要：过度的组织张力会减少血液供应并导致组织坏死。然而，从未对皮瓣进行机械分析。在这里，我们探讨了两种常见皮瓣设计、直接前进皮瓣和双回切皮瓣的应力分布。我们的模拟预测最大应力区域与组织坏死之间存在直接相关性。这表明升高的压力可以作为皮瓣失效的预测因子。我们的模型是朝着计算机引导的重建手术迈出的有希望的一步，其目标是最大限度地减少压力、加速愈合、减少疤痕并优化组织使用。