The properties and uses of non-expanded machine-meshed skin grafts

Machine-meshing a split skin graft gives it a three-dimensional flexibility that enables it to conform to irregular and concave surfaces without fixation. The drainage of fluid through the slit-like perforations prevents haematoma formation and permits the graft to be applied to an actively bleeding wound. Rapid firm adhesion occurs, allowing early mobilisation. By ensuring that the skin is applied without expansion, excellent cosmetic results can be achieved. This technique has become the method of choice in our unit when grafting awkward sites and for the cover of tangentially-excised burn wounds and we report on 111 consecutive cases.