title: A modified, improved, easy and fast technique for split-thickness skin grafting.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Large nonhealing ulcers and wounds frequently pose a great therapeutic challenge to clinicians and often require skin grafting. Various skin grafting methods are available to cover large skin defects that fail to epithelize. These methods include the use of small pinch grafts, full-thickness punch grafts, large-sized full-thickness grafts and split-thickness grafts. Large-sized full-thickness and split-thickness skin grafting requires expertise to produce cosmetically acceptable results and prevent cobblestoning, unlike small pinch and full-thickness punch grafts.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe a modified technique of split-thickness skin grafting that can be considerably faster than alternative methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  We describe a method for split-thickness skin grafting using tumescent anaesthesia at the donor site and an electrodermatome and a polyurethane membrane without sutures at the site of the skin defect.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Since 1997, we have practised a modified, improved, quick and easy split-thickness skin grafting method to cover large skin defects at the extremities. Complete healing is usually achieved 4-6 weeks after the split-thickness skin transplantation, and long-term results are aesthetically successful.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We provide a sophisticated modified split-thickness skin graft procedure that has been practised for many years and provides cosmetically acceptable results while saving time.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Eberhard Karls University, Liebermeisterstr. 25, 72076 Tübingen, Germany. manfred.kneilling@med.uni-tuebingen.de
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kneilling
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Breuninger
authors.forename: W
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Schippert
authors.forename: H M
authors.initials: HM
authors.lastname: Häfner
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Moehrle
mesh_terms: D000772:Anesthesia, Local / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D055104:Infusions, Subcutaneous; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016038:Skin Transplantation / Q000379:methods*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D058106:Wound Closure Techniques; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000502:physiology*
chemical_list: D011140:Polyurethanes