Clinical experience with the use of biodegradable tacks in pediatric patients with burns

Stainless steel staples are very popular for securing grafts and dressings on patients with burns because of the speed and security with which they can be applied and the fact that stainless steel is nonreactive. In patients with large burns hundreds of staples are used and can be difficult to visualize and remove; they are therefore retained. Although stainless steel does not cause local tissue reaction, its presence can confuse the later evaluation of local pain. A new biodegradable tack has been developed. We describe an initial experience with this device in pediatric patients with burns and make suggestions regarding their use.