The use of split-thickness dermal grafts to resurface full thickness skin defects

Coverage of large burns may be difficult when skin graft donor sites are limited. This study explored the use of the split-thickness dermal graft (STDG), as an alternative to the standard split-thickness skin graft (STSG). STSGs and STDGs were compared experimentally by their ability to resurface full thickness skin defects in a pig model. Both types of grafts were harvested from the backs of six pigs and placed on full thickness wounds. From the same donor site a 0.012in. thick STSG and another two 0.012in. thick STDGs were harvested. Thus the deep surface of grafts measured 0.012, 0.024 and 0.036in. from the skin surface, respectively. All grafts were placed on 6cmx6cm full thickness wounds. The donor areas healed at 1 week. Epithelialization of the STDGs, was assessed by computerized planimetry, and was 100% at 4 weeks. Graft biopsies revealed that STSGs were significant thinner than STDGs at 1 week (P=0.0422, 0.0135), 2 weeks (P=0.0240) and 4 weeks (P=0.0516, 0.0425). We conclude that STDGs my provide definitive coverage of full thickness skin deficits in a pig wound model.