Visualized basting sutures in the application of full-thickness skin grafts

This paper describes a simple technique for inserting basting sutures to secure full-thickness skin grafts. By applying the suture under visualized conditions before fully securing the perimeter of the graft, exact placement and knot security of the basting suture can be enhanced, and injury to underlying structures can be avoided. Furthermore, by securing the center of the graft early in the repair, alignment on and conformation to the underlying wound bed is improved.