Graft orientation influences meshing ratio

Split thickness skin grafting is a mainstay surgical technique for soft tissue reconstruction worldwide. In cases of large defects or limited donor site availability, the classic example being major burn injuries, skin grafts may be expanded beyond their original geometry. This permits a smaller graft to reconstruct a larger defect. Principally, there are two techniques used for skin expansion: tissue expansion, and skin graft meshing [1,2]. The first technique consists of overstretching the skin by gradual mechanical distention, usually in the form of a surgically inserted underlying silicone implant that is progressively expanded.

Source: Burns : Journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries - May 31, 2018 Category: Cosmetic Surgery Authors: Lukas Capek, Cormac Flynn, Martin Molitor, Simon Chong, Petr Henys Source Type: research