Perichondrial cutaneous graft. An alternative in composite skin grafting.

The perichondrial cutaneous graft (PCCG) is a composite skin graft that is an alternative to the full-thickness skin graft (FTSG). The PCCG is harvested from the ear and contains epidermis, dermis, scant subcutaneous tissue, and the perichondrial layer. This experiment examined the differences in contraction properties of PCCGs and FTSGs. Twenty FTSGs and 20 PCCGs were harvested from the ears and grafted onto the backs of seven New Zealand white rabbits. The results confirmed that the PCCG provides superior coverage to the FTSGs with regard to thickness, contraction properties, and hair retention. This graft has potential in reconstructive head and neck surgery. When skin grafting is appropriate, the PCCG may provide superior results.