Theory

Authors: Christian Kaare Paaskesen Med. Stud, Eirini Tsigka, MD, MSc and Magnus Avnstorp, MD.

Definition

A skin graft that include the entire epidermis, but only a variable amount of dermis.  

Introduction

Split-skin grafts lack adnexal structures and presents semitransparent and smooth. When harvesting split-skin grafts, the innate vasculature of the graft is lost. After being places at the donor site, it takes 3-5 days until the graft have revascularized (1).

Donor site is usually the medial and lateral thighs, as this area is widely accessible for both the patient and surgeon, if a more cosmetic result is preferred buttocks can be used instead.

The cosmetic result of split-thickness skin grafts is non satisfying, as contraction, hypo- and hyperpigmentation of various levels may occur on both the recipient and donor site(1, 2). 

Note that the thinner the split-skin graft is, the greater the secondary contracture(3).

Indication

Split-skin grafts provide rapid wound coverage to large defects that lack adequate recipient bed vascularity. Because of reduced nutritional need, split-thickness skin grafts provide a better survival rate compared to full-thickness skin grafts.