Langers Lines
Incisions made in the direction of Langer’s lines are less likely to gape. This is because they run parallel to the predominant direction of collagen bundles in the dermis - Langer developed his lines by stabbing cadavers with a conical punch. The resulting defects were often oval, rather than circular, because of the direction of the underlying collagen bundles. Langer joined the long axis of these ovals to establish his lines. The direction of Langer’s line on the torso can be established by placing the patient in the foetal position. Then outline the perimeter of a 20 cent piece over the area of interest. When the patient stand upright the outline of the coin will be oval with the long axis indicating Langer’s line. It is useful to know the surface marking of the entrance of the superior vena cava into the right atrium when positioning a central venous catheter. It is...