From the Guidelines
The advantage of full thickness over split thickness skin graft is less wound contraction (option a). Full thickness skin grafts include the entire dermis, which provides structural integrity that resists contraction during healing, as noted in studies discussing the benefits of full-thickness skin grafts in terms of cosmetic results and reduced need for compromise on margin width 1. This is particularly important in areas where contracture would cause functional or cosmetic problems, such as the face, hands, or over joints. Some key points to consider about full thickness skin grafts include:
- They provide better sensory function and cosmetic appearance due to the complete dermal elements
- They are more susceptible to infection and have lower survival rates compared to split thickness grafts because they require more robust vascular supply for successful engraftment
- They are more technically demanding and have stricter requirements for the recipient bed Split thickness grafts, while having better "take" rates due to requiring less vascular ingrowth, tend to contract significantly more during healing. Given the options provided, the most significant advantage of full thickness over split thickness skin grafts, particularly in the context of minimizing morbidity and improving quality of life, is indeed the reduction in wound contraction.
From the Research
Comparison of Full-Thickness and Split-Thickness Skin Grafts
- Full-thickness skin grafts have several advantages over split-thickness skin grafts, including:
- Better sensory function: Full-thickness skin grafts contain all layers of the skin, including nerve endings, which can lead to better sensory function in the grafted area 2.
- Less wound contraction: Full-thickness skin grafts are less prone to contraction, which can result in a more aesthetically pleasing outcome 3.
- Better aesthetic results: Full-thickness skin grafts can provide a more natural appearance and texture, making them a better choice for reconstructive surgery in visible areas 2, 4.
- However, the provided studies do not specifically mention "more resistance to infection" or "better take" as advantages of full-thickness skin grafts over split-thickness skin grafts.
- It is worth noting that the choice between full-thickness and split-thickness skin grafts depends on various factors, including the size and location of the wound, the availability of donor sites, and the patient's overall health 5, 6.