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The biomechanics of advancement and rotation flaps
Author(s) -
Larrabee Wayne F.,
Sutton Dwight
Publication year - 1981
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1288/00005537-198105000-00005
Subject(s) - rotation (mathematics) , tension (geology) , biomechanics , materials science , closing (real estate) , mechanics , mathematics , geometry , anatomy , physics , composite material , medicine , ultimate tensile strength , political science , law
An animal model (using piglets) has been developed to study the mechanical properties of simple advancement and rotation flaps. The effects of different length‐width ratios and defect sizes on the tension required to close a rectangular advancement flap are described. Characteristic curves of force vs. advancement distance are presented and mechanisms discussed. The flaps should have a length‐width ratio of at least 1:1; the mechanical advantage of lengthening the flap further is directly related to the measured closing tension. The distribution of tension in a standard 180° rotation flap is analyzed. Maximum tension is found between 90° and 135° (opposite the site of defect closure); this is at variance with the vector commonly pictured. The force required to close a defect with rotation flaps of varying length (45° to 180°) is measured. There is little mechanical benefit in extending the flap past 90°.