Skin Graft Techniques

Abstract

Management of extensive lower extremity soft tissue and skin loss can be a very difficult to achieve by any surgeon. There can be several associated comorbidities that need to be considered and addressed with these patients. The approach is multifactorial and requires commitment from both the surgeon as well as the patient. There are several protocols that have been formulated throughout the literature addressing soft tissue and skin coverage of the limbs. This article provides a review of the literature and describes the evaluation, harvesting, transplantation, and management of skin grafting techniques to the lower extremities.

Keywords: Lower extremity; Orthoplastic; Skin graft; Skin transplantation; Split-thickness skin graft; Ulcer; Wound healing.