Efficacy of pinch grafting in leg ulcers of different aetiologies

The prevalence of leg ulcer disease is high and the health care costs are extensive. Effective therapy is essential to minimise the health care costs and suffering on the part of the patient. If possible, first and foremost, therapy should be aimed at correcting the underlying aetiological defect causing the ulcer. After this has been considered, one of the local therapeutic options is skin grafting using small full thickness skin grafts, i.e. pinch grafting. During the period 1991-1993 altogether 145 therapy-resistant leg ulcers were treated with the pinch graft method at the Department of Dermatology, Malmö University Hospital. The healing rate after 3 months was studied in retrospect. An overall healing rate of 36% was found. The healing rate was dependent on aetiological diagnosis, with a healing rate of 22% in venous and 50% in arterial ulcers. The pinch graft method, which may be used on an out-patient basis offers a simple and relatively effective option in the treatment of leg ulcers. It is recommended as first line skin grafting method. As second line skin grafting method split thickness skin graft, with or without ulcer excision, is recommended.