Comparative analysis of functional and aesthetic outcomes of retroauricular full thickness versus plantar glabrous split thickness skin grafts in pediatric palmar hand burns.

BACKGROUND: Optimal management of palmar hand burns in children is controversial. We aimed to compare function and aesthetics of retroauricular full thickness skin grafts (FTSG) to plantar glabrous split thickness skin grafts (STSG). METHODS: 32 palmar grafts in paediatric burn patients were analysed: 19 retroauricular FTSG (group 1) and 13 thick plantar glabrous STSG (group 2). The latter were harvested at a thickness of 0.5 mm. The resulting plantar donor defects were covered with a STSG from the scalp, a sequential surgical technique we termed the "Zurich move". Clinical examination, Cutometer and Colorimeter assessment and validated patient and observer questionnaires were used. Donor site complications and subjective complaints were recorded. RESULTS: Colorimeter results were superior in group 2 with an erythema score of 5.73 ± 2.64 (group 1) versus 2.33 ± 1.97 (group 2, p < 0.001) and a pigmentation score of 9.82 ± 5.42 (group 1) and 1.89 ± 1.92 (group 2, p < 0.001). Observers` scar evaluation using VSS and POSAS showed significantly superior results in group 2 for almost all items. Conversely, group 1 grafts were less stiff with mean normalized tissue extension R0 of 0.80 ± 0.21 versus 0.57 ± 0.24 in group 2 grafts (p < 0.05). In both groups donor sites complications were rare. CONCLUSION: Plantar glabrous STSG showed superior functional and aesthetic results when compared to FTSG in pediatric palmar hand burns. In addition, the "Zurich Move" is safe and provides uncomplicated donor site healing on the scalp and the foot allowing rapid restoration of full function.

Collection of Wound Exudate From Human Digit Tip Amputations Does Not Impair Regenerative Healing: A Randomized Trial.

The regrowth of amputated digit tips represents a unique regenerative healing in mammals with subcutaneous volume regrowth, restoration of dactylogram, and suppression of scar formation. Although factor analysis in amphibians and even in mice is easy to obtain, safety of harvesting biomaterial from human digit tip amputations for analysis has not yet been described.The aim of this study was to evaluate if recovering wound exudate does hamper clinical outcome or influence microbiologic or inflammation status.A predefined cohort of 18 patients with fresh digit tip amputations was randomly assigned to receive standard therapy (debridement, occlusive dressing) with (n = 9) or without (n = 9) collection of the whole wound exudate in every dressing change. Primary endpoint (lengthening) and secondary endpoints (regeneration of dactylogram, nail bed and bone healing, time to complete wound closure, scar formation, 2-point discrimination, microbiologic analysis, inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1α, tumor necrosis factor-α, IL-4, and IL-6) were determined by an independent, blinded observer.Patients' characteristics showed no significant differences between the groups. All patients completed the study to the end of 3 months follow-up. Exudate collection did not influence primary and secondary endpoints. Furthermore, positive microbiologic findings as well as pus- and necrosis-like appearance neither impaired tissue restoration nor influenced inflammatory factor release.Here, the authors developed an easy and safe protocol for harvesting wound exudate from human digit tip amputations. For the first time, it was shown that harvesting does not impair regenerative healing. Using this method, further studies can be conducted to analyze regeneration associated factors in the human digit tip.DRKS.de Identifier: DRKS00006882 (UTN: U1111-1166-5723).