gms | German Medical Science

38. Jahrestagung der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Verbrennungsbehandlung (DAV 2020)

15.01. - 18.01.2020, Zell am See, Österreich

Article

Send article

Non-glabrous FTSGs versus glabrous STSGs in paediatric contact burns of the palm: comparative analysis of functional and cosmetic outcomes

Meeting Abstract

Search Medline for

  • Julia Elrod - Pediatric Burn Center, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Children’s Research Center (CRC), University Childrens Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Dirk Moellmeier - Pediatric Burn Center, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Children’s Research Center (CRC), University Childrens Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Christoph Mohr - Pediatric Burn Center, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Children’s Research Center (CRC), University Childrens Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Kathrin Neuhaus - Pediatric Burn Center, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Children’s Research Center (CRC), University Childrens Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
  • Clemens Schiestl - Pediatric Burn Center, Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgery, University Children’s Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; Children’s Research Center (CRC), University Childrens Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland

Deutschsprachige Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Verbrennungsbehandlung. 38. Jahrestagung der Deutschsprachigen Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Verbrennungsbehandlung (DAV 2020). Zell am See, Österreich, 15.-18.01.2020. Düsseldorf: German Medical Science GMS Publishing House; 2020. Doc3.08

doi: 10.3205/20dav022, urn:nbn:de:0183-20dav0228

Published: January 13, 2020

© 2020 Elrod et al.
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. See license information at http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/.

Outline

Text

Introduction: Palmar burns, although not life-threatening, can have a significant impact on the function and aesthetics of the hand. The aim of this study was to compare the use of full thickness skin grafts (FTSG) from the retroauricular region with split thickness skin grafts (STSG, 0.5mm) from the unloaded plantar foot in terms of function and aesthetics in children with deep dermal burns of the palm.

Methods: 32 transplants of the palm in paediatric burn patients, including 19 retroauricular FTSG (group 1) and 13 STSG from the unloaded plantar foot (group 2) were investigated retrospectively by means of clinical examination, device-based assessment (Cutometer® MPA 580, DSM II ColorMeter®) and by validated patient and observer questionnaires (VSS, POSAS). In addition, donor sites were evaluated by means of POSAS and medical complications and subjective complaints were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed by means of Welch unpaired T-Tests.

Results: Glabrous grafts from the foot showed significantly superior results in terms of the ColorMeter (erythema score 5.73 ± 2.64 for group 1, 2.33 ± 1.97 for group 2; pigmentation score 9.82 ± 5.42 for group 1, 1.89 ± 1.92 for group 2, p < 0.001). Evaluation of the scar by the observer by means of VSS and POSAS showed significantly superior results for almost all single items, total score and overall opinion. Conversely, FTSGs were significantly less stiff as measured by the Cutometer (mean normalized tissue extension R0 was 0.80 ± 0.21 for group 1; 0.57 ± 0.24 for group 2; p< 0.05). Range of motion and assessment of sensitivity was inconclusive due to the heterogeneity of the scars and patient incompliance due to young age.

Conclusion: STSG from the plantar foot lead to satisfying results in terms of function and aesthetics in palmar paediatric burns. However, joint-crossing injuries of the digits might benefit more from FTSG.