Dermatome (instrument)

A Dermatome (pronunciation: /ˈdɜːrmətoʊm/) is a surgical instrument used in the field of medicine and surgery to remove a portion of the skin for grafting. The term is derived from the Greek words derma, meaning skin, and tome, meaning cutting instrument.

History

The first dermatome was invented by Dr. George. H. Monks in 1887. The design and functionality of dermatomes have evolved over the years, with modern dermatomes being more precise and easier to use.

Types of Dermatomes

There are three main types of dermatomes: knife dermatomes, drum dermatomes, and electric or air dermatomes. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice of dermatome often depends on the surgeon's preference and the specific needs of the procedure.

Knife Dermatomes

Knife dermatomes, such as the Padgett-Hood dermatome, are manually operated and allow for a great deal of control over the thickness and size of the skin graft.

Drum Dermatomes

Drum dermatomes, like the Cobbett dermatome, use a cylindrical drum to cut a continuous strip of skin. These dermatomes are often used for larger grafts.

Electric or Air Dermatomes

Electric or air dermatomes, such as the Zimmer dermatome, are powered by electricity or compressed air. These dermatomes allow for quick and uniform skin grafts.

Usage

Dermatomes are primarily used in plastic surgery and burn treatment. They allow surgeons to remove skin grafts of varying thicknesses from donor sites on the patient's body, which can then be used to cover and heal areas of damaged or missing skin.

Related Terms

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Dermatome (instrument)
Wikipedia's article - Dermatome (instrument)

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Dermatome (instrument)