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MAJ T. Keith Vaughan, MC
USA

MAJ Curt P. Samlaska, MC
USA

MAJ Michael J. Mulvaney, MC
USA Dermatology Service Department of Medicine Walter Reed Army Medical Center Washington, DC 20307-5001

Arch Dermatol. 1990;126(10):1366.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text PDF and any section headings.

To the Editor.—

The term "dog-ear" refers to the fold of tissue protruding above the surface of the skin at the ends or sides of wounds after undermining or partial closure. Unfortunately, this undesirable term has become deeply embedded within the surgical literature. It is not particularly descriptive (given the variability of dogs' ears), not innately helpful in conceptualizing the excess tissue it defines, and is a slang term. The latter drawback is particularly annoying when it is discussed in front of patients, as happens frequently in training situations. Its usage often results in a compulsion to define it to the patient immediately, or risk misconception by the patient.

In his excellent description of complex closures, Bennett¹ alludes to this term's undesirability, and even suggests refraining from using it in front of patients. Following this advice would necessitate a second term, and he has suggested "pucker" as alternative terminology. Why . . . [Full Text PDF of this Article]

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