Reconstruction of burn deformity using artificial dermis combined with thin split-skin grafting

Twelve patients with post-burn contracture were treated using artificial dermis combined with thin split-skin grafting during the period January 1994 to April 1996. Bilayer artificial dermis was grafted onto full thickness open wounds of the skin, after excision of scar contracture tissue. About 3 weeks later, the silicone layer was removed and thin split-skin, 8/1000 in. thick, was grafted onto the newly synthesized dermis-like tissue in the wound bed. Scalp was chosen as the donor site in 11 of the 12 cases. Artificial dermis grafting was undertaken to ensure that morbidity at the donor site could be reduced as much as possible in the treatment of burn deformity. The skin grafts took completely in all cases. Postoperative management was performed in accordance with conventional skin grafting. Postoperative contraction or hypertrophic scar was observed in three cases, but a soft, favorable quality was obtained in the other nine cases. Treatment of burn deformity with artificial dermis may be beneficial in selected cases.