Outcomes of skin reconstruction of the hand with an artificial dermal substitute in a traumatic setting

Tissue coverage of the hand in a traumatic setting is challenging given the limited treatments available, the functional issues and the risk of amputation in case of failure. Artificial dermal substitutes have been used in reconstructive surgery for decades but their indications and results in hand surgery need to be further evaluated. The aim of our study was to evaluate skin reconstruction of the hand with an artificial dermal substitute in a traumatic setting.

We retrospectively reviewed patients suffering from traumatic hand wounds defect with neurovascular, and/or osseous, and/or tendinous exposure. Patients underwent reconstruction with an artificial dermal substitute between 2017 and 2020 in a hand-trauma and reimplantation center. Primary outcomes included the success of the dermal substitute and the surgical revisions dues to failure. Patient satisfaction, QuickDASH and Vancouver scar scale (VSS) were also evaluated.

Thirteen cases were retrieved. The average follow-up length was 22 months. Average age was 56,5 years. The mean surface to be covered was 7.9 cm². In eleven patients (85 %) the dermal substitute successfully covered the required surface. Two patients (15 %) required revision, one for finger ray amputation and another for revision of the dermal substitute. Seventy-seven percent of patient were satisfied, the mean QuickDASH was 30.7, and the VSS 6.3.

Dermal substitutes allow skin coverage of traumatized hand particularly when used in first instance immediately after the trauma. They offer good quality scars and good functional results.