A long-term follow-up study of acellular dermal matrix with thin autograft in burns patients

We report long-term follow-up results of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) allograft combined with thin split-thickness skin autograft (STSG) for burn treatment. Between March 2001 and May 2007, we treated 19 cases of burn wounds or scar wounds at 34 different body sites with ADM allograft combined with STSG. All patients were monitored, with the mean follow-up period being 3.3 ± 1.4 years. Transplant skin was assessed by using a modified Manchester Scar Scale. The control sites that were treated with STSG at the same time were also monitored. There were significant differences in contour, contracture, and texture between the treatment and control sites (P < 0.05), but not in color, sensation, and complications (P > 0.05). All composite-grafted joints showed recovery and improvement in function postoperatively. The aesthetic contour of the skin donor site was satisfactory. Composite graft with ADM produces a supple texture without contractures, approaching the normal skin contour, and leading to adequate improvement in function.