Progressive skin extension: clinical and histological evaluation of a modified procedure using Kirschner wires.

We describe a modification of a skin traction system for progressive skin extension before excision of skin lesions. The traction device consists of Kirschner wires and plastic straps. It results in more homogeneous traction and greater sparing of healthy skin as compared with the earlier silicone bar method. Moreover, the procedure results in lower rates of infection, skin necrosis and breakage of the cutaneous bridges. Histological changes to the treated skin area are similar to those obtained with skin expansion procedures.