摘要 |
<p>Apparatus for applying force to the skin such as to for use in stretching the skin by load cycling, or for use as a surgical retractor, comprises two pins (1 and 2) or hooks (60) that are joined together by a flexible nylon strap (10). The strap (10) has rectangular apertures (11) separated by lateral bars (12). One end of the strap (10) is rivet ed to one pin (1) whilst the other end of the strap passed through a ratchet locking device (40) mounted on the other pin (2). In use, one pin (1) is fastened to a loose flap of skin (3) and the other pin is fastened to another site on the skin surface. The free end of the strap (10) is then pulled through the locking device (40), which holds it against movement in the opposite direction, until the desired tension is applied.</p> |