TAPE-CLOSED WOUND - A BIOENGINEERING ANALYSIS

The mechanical properties of healing wounds in rat skin were studied with an Instron Tensile Tester. A standard specimen was tested at a constant strain rate and load, and extension was recorded. Tensile strength and energy absorption were calculated. Tape-closed wounds with cut panniculus muscle developed a higher tensile strength than sutured wounds. This was related to the continued retraction of the cut ends of the muscle and was probably brought about by tension on the maturing collagen fibers. Apparently a different collagen material was being developed. This change occurred without observable differences in biochemical composition. Wound extensibility and energy absorptive capacity did not show any significant differences. Thus despite the higher tensile strength of the tape-closed wound it may not have any functional advantages over the sutured one. The relative importance of the different mechanical properties is discussed. © 1969.