Apposition of the skin edges following fasciotomy

Silastic bands or nylon sutures may be used in a "Roman-sandle" configuration to progressively reapproximate the skin edges after fasciotomy. Multiple skin staples are placed along the entire length of the incision on both sides of the wound. Through these staples, silastic bands or heavy gauge nylon sutures are placed in a shoelace or "Roman-sandle" configuration. By gently pulling the ends of the silastic bands (or sutures), the skin edges are pulled together. This procedure may be repeated multiple times over several days to reapproximate the skin edges and narrow or close the wound entirely. Although the skin is reapproximated, the fascia is not closed.