Biomechanical explanation of W-plasty effectiveness using a finite element method approach

Abstract

The finite element method has often been used to assist analyzing local flaps in terms of deformation and stress measurements as it takes into account complex skin properties. We, herein, present an isotropic two-dimensional finite element skin model applied to the W-plasty method to demonstrate that the good outcomes of W-plasty should be attributed to the geometry itself, as it generates lower stresses. The skin was modeled as a two-dimensional (2D) planar geometry. The model was created and solved as a plane stress problem. The model was based on simulation of the loading and stitching of W-plasties of various angles. Each central triangular flap was segmented in nine triangular elements. The stitching was modeled with one suture at the top of each triangular flap with the center of the opposite corner. X- and Y-axis stresses and shearing stresses Txy in the elements involved in the broken stitching line, show lower stresses than the elements behind the stitching line. Interestingly, in the triangular flaps, the stresses were clearly lower than those of their neighboring areas. The maximum compressive stresses in the 2D model we used, correspond to the dog ears. We conclude that the effectiveness of W-plasty should be attributed not only to the scar orientation in relation to the relaxed tension skin lines but also to the special design of the triangular flaps used. This finding assists the general understanding of the method and should be taken into account by the clinician during flap designing.