1. Delayed Primary Closure of Diabetic Foot Wounds using the DermaClose™ RC Tissue Expander David L. Nielson, DPM, Stephanie C. Wu, DPM, MSc, David G. Armstrong, DPM, PhD 

Abstract: Closure of large wounds has been a challenge in podiatric surgery, especially after large defects created by ulcer debridement, metatarsal resection and amputation. The DermaClose™ RC tissue expander allows for closure of large defects without the need for traditional complex skin closure, tissue grafting or creation of skin and tissue flaps. Skin anchors made of surgical steel clips are used with a tension controller to allow for gentle skin stretching on the subcutaneous planes of the wound or defect. It also has special application in the closure of chronic wounds. Two case reports are presented to describe this technique.