Effect of graft bed on long-term functional results of extremity skin grafts.
The purpose of the current study was to determine whether the long-term functional results of extremity burns grafted on fat were different from those grafted on fascia. Twelve patients (mean burn size, 38% TBSA) who had fascial excision of the majority of one or more extremities were examined a minimum of one year postinjury. Range of motion, motor strength, and sensation of the fascially excised extremities were measured. Twelve comparable patients with extremity burns (mean burn size, 35% TBSA) who had grafts placed on fat were used as positive controls. Patients whose burns were excised to fat had better joint mobility (P = 0.001) and sensory function (P = 0.001) than did patients whose burns were excised to fascia. Both groups had comparable muscle strength. These results indicate that patients with full-thickness burns of the extremities who have grafts placed on fat have significantly better long-term extremity function than do patients who have their skin grafts placed on fascia.
Jones
T
T
LSU-Medical Center, Department of Surgery, Shreveport 71130.
McDonald
S
S
Deitch
E A
EA
D000273:Adipose Tissue / Q000601:surgery; D000328:Adult; D001134:Arm Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D002056:Burns / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D002648:Child; D000071938:Fasciotomy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000502:physiology; D007869:Leg Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D009068:Movement; D012677:Sensation; D016038:Skin Transplantation; D013997:Time Factors