The Dynamics of Dog‐Ear Formation and Correction

Abstract

Dog-ears are tissue redundancies secondary to length inequalities, rotation or contour changes. An understanding of the mechanics of dog-ear formation provides a logical foundation for approaching treatment.

Round Excisions Lead to Shorter Scars and Better Scar Positioning than Traditional Elliptical Excisions

“…As previously observed, the formation of dog ears is affected by tissue dynamics [5, 8]. Tissue redundancies become significant dog ears in cases in which the visual ‘absorption’ limits of skin compressibility and stretchability are exceeded.…”

“…After undermining, the defect was sutured in the center along the lines of least skin resistance when practicable and, if present, parallel to the skin wrinkles. In cases in which mounds, or dog ears, of excess skin were created at the wound ends, these were removed via a standard technique [4, 5], so that a flat sutured wound was produced. Wherever possible, these were designed to coincide with adjacent skin creases or wrinkle lines.…”

The Influence of Rotator Cuff Tear Size and Repair Technique on Creation and Management of Dog Ear Deformities in a Transosseous Equivalent Rotator Cuff Repair Model

“…Wounds on convex surfaces, similar to the rotator cuff footprint at the greater tuberosity, are more susceptible to this deformity. 21 Techniques used in plastic and dermatologic surgery to manage dog ear deformities, including fusiform excision, S-plasty, M-plasty, and V-excision, 2,[6][7][8]19,21,22 are not applicable to dog ear deformities in rotator cuff repairs.…”

“…Commonly encountered in other surgical wounds as well, dog ear deformities are the result of an asymmetric puckering or accumulation of tissue, typically in the center or at the apices of an incision. The etiology and management of these deformities are well described in the plastic and dermatologic surgery literature 2,6,7,19,21,22 ; however, there is a relative paucity of literature regarding the causes and implications of dog ear deformities in rotator cuff repairs. This study was performed to quantify the effects of dog ear formation on rotator cuff footprint restoration after repair as well as to assess the association between rotator cuff repair method and the formation and management of dog ear deformities in a human cadaveric model.…”

Electrosurgical Standing Cutaneous Cone Modification

“…1 Wound extension is an obvious solution for managing standing cutaneous cones; however, greater incisional length may be undesirable. The dynamics of dog-ear formation, as well as suggested corrections, have been previously reviewed.…”