title: A simple system for splicing strip grafts into sheets.
abstract: An alternative method of joining small strips of skin graft into larger sheeets in order to achieve complete coverage of large defects is reported. Split-thickness grafts are often needed larger than the skin strip obtained by dermatome. Suturing grafts together to form a larger sheet is difficult and often results in tearing and puckering of the graft so that spots do not adhere properly. A rapid, simple method of joining sheets of skin using neurosurgical clips is described. Removal of these clips is faster and easier than suture removal. The method is most useful where "tie-over" stent dressings are used, but also has general applications.
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous / Q000379:methods