Mean Age of Patients Undergoing Split-Thickness Skin Grafts
Patients receiving split-thickness skin grafts typically range from middle-aged to elderly adults, with mean ages consistently reported between 61-81 years across different wound types and clinical scenarios.
Age Distribution Across Clinical Contexts
The age of patients undergoing split-thickness skin grafting varies by clinical indication but consistently skews toward older populations:
Elderly and Geriatric Populations
- Elderly patients with dermatoporosis and pretibial wounds have a mean age of 80.6 years (range 69-91 years), representing the oldest cohort typically treated with split-thickness skin grafts 1.
- This geriatric population often presents with chronic cutaneous fragility syndromes and significant comorbidities (mean Charlson Comorbidity Index of 7.1) 1.
Middle-Aged to Older Adult Populations
- Patients with complex chronic wounds (venous ulcers, diabetic foot ulcers, pressure ulcers) have a mean age of 67.1 years (range 37-103 years), demonstrating a broad age distribution centered in the seventh decade 2.
- Diabetic and vascular patients with chronic lower extremity wounds show a mean age of 61.0 ± 12.8 years, with 72% being male 3.
Pediatric Populations
- Split-thickness skin grafts are also used in pediatric burn patients with a mean age of 8 ± 6 years (range 3 months to 24 years), though this represents a distinct clinical population from the typical adult wound patient 4.
Donor Site Healing Studies
- Studies examining donor site recovery report a median age of 70 years (range 44-86 years) among patients undergoing skin graft harvest for leg ulcers 5.
Clinical Implications
The predominance of older patients (60-80 years) reflects the epidemiology of chronic wounds, which are strongly associated with age-related conditions including diabetes, venous insufficiency, arterial disease, and immobility 2, 3.
Important Considerations for Older Patients
- Elderly patients with poor skin quality and multiple comorbidities can safely undergo split-thickness skin grafting without significant complications 1.
- Prolonged donor site healing (up to 97 days versus the typical 21 days) may occur in elderly patients with dermatoporosis but can be managed with local wound care 1.
- Age itself does not appear to be a contraindication, as successful graft incorporation occurs across age groups when proper technique is employed 1, 3.