Long-Term Results of Palmar Ulnar Border Composite Graft after Postburn Hand Scar Contracture Release
- Author:
Yumin KIM
1
;
Seokchan EUN
Author Information
- Publication Type:ORIGINAL ARTICLE
- From:Journal of Korean Burn Society 2022;25(2):33-38
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Purpose:Hand skin defects and following scar contractures are common injuries and sequelae of home or industrial accidents. Glabrous skin defects should be replaced with similar skin to achieve functional recovery and cosmesis. However, donor sites for full-thickness glabrous skin are insufficient.
Methods:From 2008 to 2018, we performed graft surgeries from the hypothenar area to cover the palmar skin defects after postburn scar contracture release. All 62 patients were treated with full-thickness composite grafts including skin and subcutaneous tissue.
Results:Follow-up periods ranged from 13 to 65 months. All glabrous composite grafts demonstrated good uptake rates, resembling the surrounding skin in appearance, texture, and color. Among the 62 patients, there were only three cases of partial graft loss. There were no reported complications such as significant color change, hypertrophic scar, or donor site complications. The grafted skin showed an average 5.8 mm static two-point discrimination in sensory recovery.
Conclusion:Our results indicate that use of glabrous full-thickness composite graft is a reliable method for hand palmar skin resurfacing. With low donor-site morbidity, the graft restores the functional and aesthetic properties of glabrous skin.
