Published On November 6, 2018. Last Updated on December 10, 2021.
Torsion graft injury in Follicular Unit Extraction refers to graft injury that results from the twisting of grafts along their long axis which eventuates in a horizontal breakage of the grafts. This damage is called transection. The cause of torsion injury in this linear scar free hair transplantation method is primarily attributed to the frictional adherence of the follicle against the internal wall of a rotating or oscillating punch as it ascends up the punch lumen. Since the upper part of the graft is now stuck to the wall of the rotating punch and the lower portion is not, the result is that the stuck grafts start rotating together with the punch. The lower portion, however, remains fixed to the skin. This results in the follicle turning on itself eventually, leading to the breakage of the follicle (Torsion transection).
Torsion-related injuries are a major nemesis of pre-existing Follicular Unit Extraction technologies. Dr.UGraft ™ hair transplant system introduces several patented features that work in concert with one another to minimize low hair transplant growth from graft torsion injuries of hair follicles.
Torsion injuries from regular hair transplant punches can result in graft breakage
Watch this video to see how the design of a regular cylinder shaped punch contributes to graft impaction and torsion. These occurrences which can contribute to the severing of the follicular unit graft.
Torsion injuries from regular hair transplant punches can result in graft breakage
Dr.UGraft™ Features Which Prevent Torsion-Induced Damage
Dr.UGraft’s expanded volume prevents torsion and impaction related injuries to the graft
Dr.UGraft’s punch device, the Dr. UPunch i ™, solves the issue of hair graft torsion injuries with the following:
EXPANDED VOLUME TO PREVENT HAIR TRANSPLANT GRAFT TWISTING
Dr.UGraft’s rotary punches are built with an increased inner volume of the punch lumen. This expanded area allows more room for the for the follicles to fit loosely inside the punch. This, in turn, decreases odds of getting impacted on the wall.
Subsequently, hair follicles are less exposed to low hair transplant growth from graft torsion injuries. With more room inside the punch lumen, the grafts are also less likely to come in close contact with the inner wall surface. This reduces the likelihood of impaction from frictional heat. This is another major source of damage in addition to the twisting.
Reduced Inner Wall Thickness To Achieve Expanded Interior Volume
The design construction of the Dr.UPunch i ™ involves reducing the external wall diameter in the first 1-3 mm, immediately above the cutting tip. This feature provides an easy path for the tissue outside the cut perimeter to slide up against. This, in turn, minimizes the tissue drag that follows the initial skin cut as the punch tip advances deeper into the skin.
Watch this animated video to see how the expanded inner volume of the punch allows grafts to easily ascend into the lumen, to avoid damage due to issues like torsion and graft impaction.
DR.UGRAFT’S FOOT PEDAL CONTROL WATER IRRIGATION SYSTEM FOR AVOIDING LOW HAIR TRANSPLANT GROWTH FROM GRAFT TORSION INJURIES
The Dr.UGraft ™ Zeus console powers an attachable fluid irrigation system that can be used in conjunction with all of Dr.UGraft’s devices. This irrigation system courses a steady drip of fluid to the lumen of its punches. The ability to add fluid water in this manner lubricates the inner punch surface which overcomes the issue of friction during the rotational motion of the device. With a slippery plane of fluid in place, the follicle unit is not able to adhere to the interior surface lining of the punch’s lumen. Less adhesion means less likelihood of torsion injury occurring.
The Dr.UGraft Zeus central console provides a drip-controlled fluid irrigation system. The availability of fluid helps to lubricate the inner lining of the punch. It also helps the dull surface of the hybrid flared punch to avoid frictional heat damage. Additionally, it helps to avoid low hair transplant growth from graft torsion injuries.
Dr.UPunch i Patented and Patent Pending Graft Pulling Features Prevent Twisting and Torsion-Based Hair Transplant Transection
With the use of typical linear scar free surgery device, the diameter of the punch is carefully selected according to size to fit. This is measured around the outer perimeter of the follicular unit. Also, the inner lining of the punch is smooth. Therefore, as the graft ascends inside the lumen, without extra tissue bulk or texturing to hold it in place, it, therefore, becomes more subjected to being twisted due to the rotational turning of the punch.
Dr.UGraft’s rotary punches come with several patented and patent-pending design features. One such feature is the graft grip, pull, score, and release mechanism. This produces a corkscrew effect. This effect then enables the punch to grip the tissue surrounding the follicular unit. For this reason, the graft does not get impacted in the upper portions, to begin with, and the result is the avoidance of torsion.
Video: Dr.UGraft ™ Demonstrates Elimination of Hair Graft Injury from Torsion and Twisting
Watch the video below to see a demonstration of the features described above in a follicular unit hair transplant procedure.
With a grip, pull and score feature, the Dr.UGraft™ rotary device is able to exert a grip around the tissue that surrounds the follicle to pull it up as it is being scored, preventing low hair transplant growth from graft torsion injuries
The Need to Prevent Hair Transplant Mistakes From Graft Torsion Injuries and Other Errors
A patient’s hair follicles grafts are a finite, limited resource. They are incapable of growing back once they are miniaturized, damaged or extracted. As such, patients cannot afford to have their grafts wasted. Even in cases of simple FUE hair transplant surgeries requiring just a small donor supply, leaving a sizable extra reserve, patients may at some point need to rely on these follicles at a later point. In order for hair loss suffers to achieve the best long-term coverage, practitioners must efficiently optimize the use of their available graft supply. This means preventing or avoiding common forms of damage as best as possible.
Graft torsion injuries are one of the most common reasons for low hair transplant growth. These challenges, however, can be overcome with Dr.UGraft’s intelligently designed features. These features include patented texturing, expanded inner volume and having an attachable fluid irrigation system. With smarter technology, practitioners have a more solid and reliable means to consistently avoid the typical factors that lead to damaged follicles. At the same time, it is capable of producing the right quantities of healthy, viable grafts to help patients achieve the coverage they expect.
Frequently Asked Questions – Low Hair Transplant Growth from Graft Torsion Injuries
What can a patient do to prevent hair transplant mistakes?
There are several steps a prospective patient can take to minimize the chance of hair transplant mistakes. On such step is researching hair restoration providers beforehand and choosing one with the most natural-looking results. You can also ask about the tools used by a hair transplant clinic and weigh the pros and cons of those.
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Besides graft torsional injuries, what are other common forms of damage to the graft that can result from linear scar free hair transplant procedures performed with small punches?
Other types of damage from linear scar free hair transplantation include desiccation (air drying). This typically happens during the time that the punch makes a complete score and when transferred to a storage vessel. Mechanical forms of graft injury include de-sheathing, fracture, burying and capping.