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Full-Thickness vs Split-Thickness Skin Graft for Scalp Defects ± Calvarium Exposure

Zhao CX, Scher M, Hanks JE, et al.
Dermatologic Surgery (2024)

JC: November 2024

This study compared full-thickness and split-thickness skin grafts for reconstruction of scalp defects with exposed calvarium. The analysis evaluated graft survival rates, healing times, and cosmetic outcomes to guide graft selection for this challenging reconstruction scenario.

Take-Home Messages

  • Graft selection for scalp defects with exposed calvarium depends on the vascular bed quality and defect characteristics.
  • Both full-thickness and split-thickness skin grafts can achieve acceptable outcomes for scalp reconstruction when the recipient bed is properly prepared.

Topic

Reconstruction

Flaps, grafts, wound closure techniques after Mohs

Abstract

Compare full-thickness skin grafts versus split-thickness skin grafts in scalp reconstruction. Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent scalp reconstruction with skin grafts performed at a single institution from 2011 to 2016. χ2 or Fisher exact tests were used to compare graft integration and complication rates. The effects of graft type, defect type, graft size, and patient comorbidities on the likelihood of graft success and complications were analyzed using multivariate ...

Literature review only. This summary is an editorial interpretation and may not reflect the complete findings of the original publication. Always refer to the full-text article for clinical decision-making.