Skin morphing and tension distributing system for external fixation and methods of use thereof
Kits and systems are disclosed that include one or more segments of elastically deformable membrane in combination with one or more external fixation members and optionally in combination with one or more tension protector pads. Also disclosed are methods of use of the kits and systems in methods that involve stretching the elastically deformable membrane and applying the stretched membrane to the skin of a patient, and releasing the tension on the membrane, thus causing compression of the skin to which the membrane is applied. The method may further include the optional steps of inserting one or more external fixation members through the membrane/skin combination and into a bone segment, applying a distraction force to the one or more external fixation members, and adjusting one or more segments of membrane to affect skin tension at a rate that is similar to a rate at which the distraction force is applied.
1 . A method, comprising the steps of:
(A) applying force to a segment of an elastically deformable membrane to stretch the elastically deformable membrane to a stretched length that is greater than an original length of the elastically deformable membrane, wherein the elastically deformable membrane has a bonding material associated with at least a portion of a surface thereof;
(B) applying the stretched length of elastically deformable membrane to a skin of a patient, wherein the bonding material attaches the stretched length of elastically deformable membrane to the skin;
(C) releasing the force on the elastically deformable membrane after application to the skin, thereby causing the skin having the elastically deformable membrane attached thereto to compress;
(D) inserting at least one external fixation member through the skin at a location outside of the elastically deformable membrane;
(E) applying at least one distraction force to the at least one external fixation member; and
(F) separating at least a portion of the elastically deformable membrane so as to release a portion of the tension in the skin at a rate that is similar to a rate at which the distraction force is applied.
2 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising the step of:
(G) repeating steps (E) and (F) over a period of time, thus allowing the skin to move at a rate similar to the external fixation member inserted therethrough.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the segment of elastically deformable membrane comprises a plurality of layers and/or weaves of elastically deformable material.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein at least a portion of the segment of elastically deformable membrane is formed of a substantially non-stretchable material.
5 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the segment of elastically deformable membrane has an antimicrobial agent associated with at least a portion of a surface thereof.
6 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:
placing a tension protector pad on the at least one external fixation member following step (D), wherein the tension protector pad has an opening extending therethrough for receiving a portion of the external fixation member, and wherein the tension protector pad has a bonding material associated with at least a portion of a surface thereof; and
attaching the tension protector pad to the skin of the patient about the insertion site for the external fixation member via the bonding material.
7 . The method of claim 6 , wherein the tension protector pad has at least one antimicrobial agent associated therewith.
8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein the tension protector pad has a cavity in which the at least one antimicrobial agent is disposed.