Tissue expansion as an alternative to skin grafting for closure of skin deficits.

Recent advances in the technical aspects of tissue expanders for closure of skin deficits have led to an overall reduction in the high rate of complications typically associated with their usage. The authors provide a review of the recent refinements in the technique of the tissue expansion process. A discussion of current and future applications using this technique in the treatment of various lower extremity pathologies, including clubfoot, is presented. A case report on the use of a subcutaneous tissue expander for the treatment of a failed skin graft of the medial ankle is included.