title: Long-term results of syndactyly correction: full-thickness versus split-thickness skin grafts.
abstract: In order to compare the long-term results of full-thickness and split-thickness skin grafts after the correction of congenital syndactyly, 27 patients have been investigated after an average follow-up of 21 years. Post-operative functional and cosmetic results have been assessed by patient records, questionnaires and physical examination. The webs that had received split-thickness grafts showed more flexion and extension lags and the overall spreading of the operated fingers was significantly decreased compared to the control fingers. On the other hand, more re-operations because of web creep had to be performed after full-thickness grafts. Hyperpigmentation and hair growth in the grafts was found in most of the full-thickness grafts, while breakdown of the graft was found in some of the split-thickness grafts. Therefore, based on the results of this study, either full- or split-thickness skin grafts can be used when treating of congenital syndactyly.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, University Hospital, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Deunk
authors.forename: J P A
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Nicolai
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Hamburg
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010808:Physical Examination; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology; D012086:Reoperation; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013576:Syndactyly / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors