Jette Nicoline Kern1,2, Friederike Weidemann2, Padhraig F O'Loughlin3, Christian Krettek2, Ralph Gaulke4,2. 1. Section Upper Extremity, Foot- and Rheuma Surgery, Trauma Department, Medical School Hanover (MHH), Hanover, Germany. 2. Trauma Department, Medical School Hanover (MHH), Hanover, Germany. 3. Mater Hospital, City Gate Mahon, Cork, Ireland. 4. Section Upper Extremity, Foot- and Rheuma Surgery, Trauma Department, Medical School Hanover (MHH), Hanover, Germany gaulke.ralph@mh-hannover.de.
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM: Skin extension by multiple incisions (SEMI) may be superior to split-thickness skin graft (STSG) for closure of large soft tissue defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients who had undergone STSG were compared to 29 patients who had undergone SEMI on the extremities. Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), Dermatology Life Quality Index, Wound QoL (Quality of Life) and Short Form Health Survey 36 were used. Elasticity, thickness and skin sensation were compared between the treated and contralateral extremity. Range of motion in adjacent joints was measured. Complication rates were compared. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients with a mean follow-up of 5.5 years (range=2-9 years) were examined. Patients with STSG had significantly worse scores in POSAS. The scar was thinner, less elastic and did not provide intact sensibility. Other scores, ROM and complication rates did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: SEMI was superior to STSG regarding patient satisfaction and scar quality. Copyright
BACKGROUND/AIM: Skin extension by multiple incisions (SEMI) may be superior to split-thickness skin graft (STSG) for closure of large soft tissue defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six patients who had undergone STSG were compared to 29 patients who had undergone SEMI on the extremities. Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), Dermatology Life Quality Index, Wound QoL (Quality of Life) and Short Form Health Survey 36 were used. Elasticity, thickness and skin sensation were compared between the treated and contralateral extremity. Range of motion in adjacent joints was measured. Complication rates were compared. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients with a mean follow-up of 5.5 years (range=2-9 years) were examined. Patients with STSG had significantly worse scores in POSAS. The scar was thinner, less elastic and did not provide intact sensibility. Other scores, ROM and complication rates did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: SEMI was superior to STSG regarding patient satisfaction and scar quality. Copyright
Authors: Gi Hyun Seong; Kyujin Yeom; Dea Kwan Yun; Mi Soo Choi; Myung Hwa Kim; Byung Cheol Park Journal: Indian J Dermatol Date: 2021 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 1.494