When would you use a split-thickness skin graft?
Split-thickness skin grafts are otherwise indicated in acute skin loss (burn wounds, traumatic wounds, infection), chronic skin loss (leg ulcers), and as adjuncts to other procedures (to cover a muscle flap).
What does full-thickness graft mean?
Full-thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) consist of complete epidermis and dermis, whereas partial-thickness skin grafts (PTSG) include the entire epidermis and only partial dermis. One should try to match, as closely as possible, the skin at the recipient site.
What is a split graft?
During a split-thickness skin graft, your surgeon will remove a thin layer of skin from 1 part of your body (donor site) and use it to close the surgical site that needs to be covered (recipient site). You may have a split-thickness skin graft if you lost a large area of skin due to an infection, burn, or surgery.
What is the difference between partial and full thickness wounds?
Partial thickness is just loss of the first two layers of skin. Full thickness is the loss of all layers of skin to include bone. Unable to assess the depth of the wound base related to the amount of non-viable tissue. Surgical Wounds are described as wounds that have not healed by primary intention.
Why a full thickness skin graft may be a better choice?
They retain more of the characteristics of normal skin, including color, texture, and thickness, when compared with split-thickness grafts. Full-thickness grafts also undergo less contraction while healing. This is important on the face, as well as on the hands and over joints.
What is split-thickness graft?
A split-thickness skin graft, also known as a partial-thickness skin graft, is a portion of skin that contains both epidermis and varying portions of the dermis. A full-thickness skin graft is composed of the epidermis and all of the dermis as well as variable amounts of subcutaneous tissue.
What is a full-thickness wound?
Full-Thickness – A full-Thickness wound indicates that damage extends below the epidermis and dermis (all layers of the skin) into the subcutaneous tissue or beyond (into muscle, bone, tendons, etc.).
Which graft is used in ACL?
The 2 main groups used for grafts in ACL reconstruction are allografts and autografts. The theoretical advantages of an allograft are elimination of donor site morbidity, decreased pain, shorter operating and rehabilitation times, and better cosmesis. Three autograft options are commonly used.
Why is a full-thickness skin graft better than a split-thickness skin graft?
Full-thickness skin grafts are usually reserved for smaller areas, such as the face and hands, because they blend better with the surrounding skin. Full-thickness skin grafts also heal very well, but they are not able to cover the same amount of tissue space as a split-thickness graft.