Posttraumatic growth after burn in adults: An integrative literature review

Perceived stress and posttraumatic growth in caregivers of pediatric burn patients undergoing mHealth-enhanced outpatient burn care: A pilot study

Approximately 120,000 children in the United States are evaluated in the emergency department annually due to burn injuries. Studies have consistently documented that pediatric burns are among the most stressful events for caregivers, resulting in a wide range of emotions, including guilt, anxiety, grief, depression, and posttraumatic stress symptoms, as well as positive psychological changes, a phenomenon known as posttraumatic growth. The present pilot study aimed to explore the prevalence of elevated perceived stress as well as posttraumatic growth among caregivers of pediatric burn patients receiving outpatient burn care and using an mHealth burn platform to administer burn treatment. Our results demonstrated that, on average, caregivers endorsed similar or lower levels of perceived stress over the past 30 days compared to the general population of 30-44-year-old adults and only a third of caregivers reported elevated levels of perceived stress in the past 30 days. However, during the treatment phase, two-thirds of caregivers reported elevated levels of stress. Further, approximately half of the caregiver sample reported moderate to high levels of posttraumatic growth following their child's burn injury. This pilot study clarifies the level of the perceived stress that caregivers of burn-injured children experience, particularly during the treatment phase when they are responsible for their children's outpatient burn care (e.g., dressing changes). Additionally, the results shed light on the high prevalence of moderate to high posttraumatic growth in caregivers, with a prevalence rate similar to other trauma survivors.

Predictors at 6 and 12 Months for Social Participation Outcome at 24 Months in the Adult Burn Injury Population: A Burn Model System National Database Study

OBJECTIVE

To identify clinical factors (physical and psychological symptoms and post-traumatic growth) that predict social participation outcome at 24-month after burn injury.

DESIGN

A prospective cohort study based on Burn Model System National Database.

SETTING

Burn Model System centers.

PARTICIPANTS

181 adult participants less than 2 years after burn injury (N=181).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Demographic and injury variables were collected at discharge. Predictor variables were assessed at 6 and 12 months: Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory Short Form (PTGI-SF), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist Civilian Version (PCL-C), Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS-29) Depression, Anxiety, Sleep Disturbance, Fatigue, and Pain Interference short forms, and self-reported Heat Intolerance. Social participation was measured at 24 months using the Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation (LIBRE) Social Interactions and Social Activities short forms.

RESULTS

Linear and multivariable regression models were used to examine predictor variables for social participation outcomes, controlling for demographic and injury variables. For LIBRE Social Interactions, significant predictors included the PCL-C total score at 6 months (β=-0.27, P<.001) and 12 months (β=-0.39, P<.001), and PROMIS-29 Pain Interference at 6 months (β=-0.20, P<.01). For LIBRE Social Activities, significant predictors consisted of the PROMIS-29 Depression at 6 months (β=-0.37, P<.001) and 12 months (β=-0.37, P<.001), PROMIS-29 Pain Interference at 6 months (β=-0.40, P<.001) and 12 months (β=-0.37, P<.001), and Heat Intolerance at 12 months (β=-4.55, P<.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Post-traumatic stress and pain predicted social interactions outcomes, while depression, pain and heat intolerance predicted social activities outcomes in people with burn injury.

Motivating patients towards better recovery after burn: The development of a booklet to reframe perspectives

INTRODUCTION

Posttraumatic growth after burn results from integrated changes in worldview. It incorporates acceptance, belief in the self, compassion, determination and planning, emotional management and family/friend support.

METHOD

The booklet was developed in two phases. In the first phase burn survivors were invited to tell their stories pertaining to their burn recovery experiences. These stories were categorised into the above framework, and presented alongside supporting information from the burn clinical psychologist in an initial draft of the booklet. In the second phase of the study, a combination of one-to-one interviews and a focus group of burn survivors discussed, suggested improvements to the final booklet and evaluated for usefulness and acceptability.

RESULTS

A booklet was developed with a blend of patient stories and professional advice to positively reframe, integrate changed perspectives and motivate patients towards better psychological recovery after burn. It was evaluated to be useful and acceptable to new burn patients.

CONCLUSION

This booklet, designed to positively reframe perspectives for better psychosocial burn recovery, was developed with patients and evaluated by patients. It was found to be useful and acceptable to new burn patients.

A meta-ethnography of developing and living with post-burn scars

INTRODUCTION

Post-burn scarring is often cosmetically unappealing and create discomfort. This makes it crucial to understand the experience of individuals living with scars which can offer insights into their recovery. This review sought to develop an in-depth understanding of living with post-burn scars.

DESIGN

A systematic review and meta-ethnography approach were employed. We utilized an interpretive approach to inductively generate codes. These codes were examined iteratively using a constant comparison strategy following which they were re-interpreted to formulate themes which formed the basis of undertaking a narrative synthesis.

RESULTS

Twenty-five studies were retained. The analytical process yielded two themes: emergence of a new identity and living with the redefined self. The experience of living with scars is entwined with the initial trauma as the scars served as a permanent reminder of the injury. Emergence of a new identity involved a process of meaning making, mourning the loss of the old self, confronting the new self, reconciling the remains of the old self with the new, rebuilding a new identity, and navigating through functional restrictions. These processes were particularly challenging for persons involved in self-immolation. Positive coping and changing one's perspective emerged as strategies to facilitate living with the redefined self.

CONCLUSION

Living with scars is a challenging process which is more difficult for persons whose injuries are due to self-immolation (act of burning oneself). The findings highlight a latent yet ongoing process towards subjective recovery. Clinicians need to be aware of the processes and incorporate these into rehabilitation programmes.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Burn survivors need ongoing professional support to adjust to and live with the scars. Victims of self-immolation should be considered for early psychosocial support.

The Impact of Burn Size on Community Participation: A Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation (LIBRE) Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the association of burn size and community participation as measured by the LIBRE Profile.

SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA

Burn size is an established clinical predictor of survival after burn injury. It is often a factor in guiding decisions surrounding early medical interventions; however, literature is inconclusive on its relationship to quality of life outcomes.

METHODS

This is a secondary data analysis of a cross-sectional survey of adult burn survivors. Self-reported data were collected between October 2014 and December 2015 from 601 burn survivors aged ≥18 years with ≥5% total body surface area (TBSA) or burns to critical areas. Sociodemographic characteristics were compared between participants with small burns (≤40% TBSA burned) and large burns (>40% TBSA burned). Ordinary least squares regression models examined associations between burn size and LIBRE Profile scale scores with adjustments for sex, current work status, burns to critical areas, and time since burn injury.

RESULTS

The analytic sample comprised 562 participants with data available for burn size. 42% of respondents had large burns (>40% TBSA burned) and 58% reported smaller burns (TBSA ≤40%). In adjusted regression models, patients with large burns tended to score lower on the Social Activities and Work & Employment scales ( P < 0.05) and higher on the Family & Friends scale ( P < 0.05). Participants with burns >40% TBSA scored lower for several individual items in the Social Activities scale and one item in the Work & Employment scale ( P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Increasing burn size was found to be negatively associated with selected items of Work & Employment and Social Activities, but positively associated with aspects of Family & Friend Relationships. Future longitudinal studies are necessary to assess and understand the long-term social impact of burn injuries on adult populations.

The mediating role of personal values between COVID-19-related posttraumatic growth and life satisfaction among Chinese college students: A two-wave longitudinal study

Despite considerable disruption of social order caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, it has also been said to contribute to positive psychological changes and influence on the perception of public life satisfaction. The present study aimed to explore the association between the COVID-19 related posttraumatic growth and life satisfaction and the mediating role of personal values. A two-wave longitudinal design was used. 226 self-quarantined Chinese college students (58.8% male) completed post traumatic growth inventory (Time 1), satisfaction with life scale (Time 2), personal values questionnaire (Time 2) between February 2020 and May 2021. Results showed that more than half of self-quarantined Chinese college students reported moderate to high levels of the COVID-19 related posttraumatic growth. A structural equation model revealed that COVID-19 related posttraumatic growth was positively associated to life satisfaction, and self-transcendence and self-enhancement values partially mediated this association. These findings shed light on whether and how pandemic-related posttraumatic growth influenced personal life satisfaction, supporting the outcome and process perspectives of posttraumatic growth as well as Schwartz’s value theory. Based on the findings, some positive psychology interventions, such as online rumination activities and mindfulness practice, were proposed to enhance self-quarantined college students’ posttraumatic growth and life satisfaction.

Influential Factors in the Recovery Process of Burn Survivors in a Predominately Rural State: A Qualitative Study

Navigating the recovery journey following a burn injury can be challenging. Survivor stories can help define recovery constructs that can be incorporated into support programs. We undertook this study to determine themes of recovery in a predominately rural state. Eleven purposefully selected burn survivors were interviewed using a semi-structured format. Consensus coding of verbatim transcriptions was used to determine themes of successful recovery. Four support-specific themes were identified. These included: using active coping strategies, expressing altruism through helping others, finding meaning and acceptance, and the active seeking and use of support. These themes could be incorporated into support programming and would help guide future survivors through the recovery period.

Influence of perceived trauma on the cognitive processing model of posttraumatic growth among university students

This study examined whether perceiving an event as a trauma influenced a cognitive processing model explaining posttraumatic growth (PTG). A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted with 311 university students from eight universities in Japan. The participants provided information about the most stressful event they had experienced and completed the expanded version of the PTG Inventory, Core Belief Inventory, Event Related Rumination Inventory, and Cognitive and Emotional Processing from Disclosure Inventory. A multi-group structural equation modeling was conducted by dividing the participants into two groups depending on whether they identified the most stressful event as a trauma. The model with no constraint showed a good fit. The model with partial constraint showed a better fit than the models with no constraint or full constraint. The difference of the model was seen as a covariance between the Event Related Rumination Inventory and the Cognitive and Emotional Processing from Disclosure Inventory. The results demonstrated configural invariance and partial metric invariance. This indicated that PTG would be recognized irrespective of whether the event was perceived as a trauma. This study also indicated that different factors out of the model could be associated with the ruminative process and disclosure process. The importance of focusing on the process of PTG, regardless of an individual's perception of the event, was emphasized, especially for factors related to rumination and disclosure.

Crescimento Pós-Traumático no Câncer de Mama: Centralidade de Evento e Coping

Resumo Crescimento pós-traumático (CPT) refere-se à mudança positiva em algum aspecto da experiência humana como resultado do enfrentamento de adversidades. Investigou-se a relação entre CPT, estilos de enfrentamento e centralidade de evento. Participaram do estudo 65 mulheres que concluíram os tratamentos recomendados para o câncer de mama. Tratou-se de uma pesquisa quantitativa cujos instrumentos foram respondidos on-line. Identificou-se correlações altas entre CPT e centralidade de evento e moderadas entre CPT e os estilos de enfrentamento: estratégia focada no problema, busca de suporte social e práticas religiosas. A centralidade de evento e as estratégias focadas no problema mostraram-se melhores preditoras de CPT. Os resultados sugerem que quanto maior a adversidade percebida, maior a possibilidade de crescimento, sendo as estratégias de enfrentamento focadas no problema um componente importante para a sua ocorrência. Este estudo apontou a possibilidade de crescimento pessoal relacionado ao enfrentamento do CA de mama e indicou estratégias relevantes para desenvolvê-lo.

Posttraumatic Growth: An Analysis of the Concept Based on Rodgers' Concept Development

The concept of posttraumatic growth appears frequently in the psychology literature. However, there is no clear definition of it. The purpose of this study was to determine its attributes, antecedents, and consequents. Rodgers' evolutionary concept analysis method was used. Data analysis was implemented using thematic analysis. The results showed that posttraumatic growth is a complex concept with four main attributes including spiritual changes, compassion toward others, appreciation of life, and improved self-understanding. Clarifying the concept of posttraumatic growth and identifying its features can be used to design nursing interventions to develop posttraumatic growth.

A quantitative analysis of the relationship between posttraumatic growth, depression and coping styles after burn

INTRODUCTION

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is "the subjective experience of positive psychological change reported by an individual as a result of the struggle with trauma" (Zoellner and Maercker, 2006 [1]). PTG after burn is similar to PTG after other types of trauma (Martin et al., 2016 [2]). The aim was to assess the relationship between coping styles, via the BriefCOPE (Carver et al., 1989 [9]), and posttraumatic growth via the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (Cann et al., 2010 [4]), in an adult burn population.

METHOD

36 burn patients who required surgery for wound closure were recruited within 2 years of their burn. They completed the PTGI, DASS-D, and BriefCOPE, and again one month later. Regression analysis with backwards elimination assessed the relationships between coping styles, depression and posttraumatic growth.

RESULTS

Of the 14 coping types identified in the BriefCOPE, three were associated with PTG after burn: positive reframing, religion and acceptance. Three coping strategies were associated with greater levels of depression: behavioural disengagement, venting and self-blame.

CONCLUSION

Behavioural disengagement, venting and self-blame behaviours can be used as 'red flags' to trigger early screening for depression and to enable timely treatment of depression. To maximise posttraumatic growth interventions that promote positive reframing, use of religion, and acceptance are necessary.

Narrative discourse of burn injury and recovery on peer support websites: A qualitative analysis

Although advances have been made in burn care and recovery, less is known about the experience of living with severe burn injury. Like other patient groups, burn survivors are now turning to social media and shared web-based peer support resources during recovery and continuing long after discharge. Ongoing peer support is often part of the reclamation process after-burn injury. Peer support and event sharing helps foster hope, motivation and reassurance.

OBJECTIVES

To: 1) Examine and further understand the narrative discourse of burn survivorship in peer support social media content, 2) establish commonalities in the sharing community and key themes related to recovery and adaptation.

METHODS

This qualitative enquiry began with a comprehensive overview of burn narratives on survivor peer generated websites. We conducted a purposeful sampling of 21 biographies posted on burn survivor peer and patient support websites. Participants with greater than 30% burn injury were included that provided narrative and discourse regarding burn recovery and survivorship. Underlying story arcs, meaning behind sentences and shared language of the experience were investigated using thematic analysis.

RESULTS

Four themes were identified: retelling of the traumatic event; social support; body image, the new normal; and rebirth and transformation. Accounts reflected the traumatic nature of the event with slowed downtime, attention to details and heightened recall. The value of peer and family support was a common theme. There was attention to the challenges related to changed body image and regaining confidence in body appearance. Most stories also documented transitioning and rebirth and other more positive aspects of trauma recovery.

CONCLUSIONS

Accounting the burn experience and recovery is part of the reclamation process. Biographies document the trauma recovery process. Storying the event is an integral component of burn survivor community content. These online communities have become a mainstream resource and part of the reclamation process.

Sexual activity and romantic relationships after burn injury: A Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation (LIBRE) study

BACKGROUND

Engaging in healthy sexual activity and romantic relationships are important but often neglected areas of post-burn rehabilitation. The degree to which persons with burn injuries engage in sexual activity and romantic relationships is not well understood. This study examined demographic and clinical characteristics predicting engagement in sexual activity and romantic relationships in a sample of adult burn survivors compared to a general United States sample.

METHODS

Data for the adult burn survivor sample were from 601 adult burn survivors who participated in field-testing for the calibration of the Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation (LIBRE) Profile, a burn-specific instrument assessing social participation on six scales including sexual activity and romantic relationships. Comparison data were obtained from a general population sample of 2000 adults through sample matching. Demographic predictors of sexual activity and romantic relationship status were examined in each sample using modified Poisson regression analyses. Clinical predictors of engaging in sexual activity and romantic relationships were also examined in the LIBRE sample.

RESULTS

Participants were slightly more likely to report being sexually active in the adult burn survivor sample than in the general sample (65% vs. 57%, p < 0.01). There was not a significant difference in romantic relationship status between the two samples (64% vs. 62%, p = 0.31). In multivariable regression analyses, men in both samples were more likely to report being in a sexual relationship (RR in LIBRE sample = 1.23, 95% CI 1.08-1.39; RR in general sample = 1.10, 95% CI 1.02-1.18). Participants in both samples who were not working were less likely to report being sexually active or in a romantic relationship (RRs ranging from 0.73 to 0.83, p < 0.05 for all estimates). In the adult burn survivor sample, respondents with hand burns were more likely to report being sexually active and in a romantic relationship (RR = 1.16, 95% CI 1.01-1.33). Time since burn injury, burn size, and burns to other critical areas were not significantly associated with either outcome in adjusted analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

The likelihood of engaging in sexual activity and romantic relationships is similar among adult burn survivors and the comparison group representing a general United States sample of adults. Further research addressing sexual activity and romantic relationships after burn injuries will help to foster better patient-clinician dialogue, pinpoint barriers, design interventions, and allocate appropriate resources.

PTSD, depression and posttraumatic growth in young adult burn survivors: Three-year follow-up of the 2015 Formosa fun coast water park explosion in Taiwan

OBJECTIVE

The 2015 Formosa Fun Coast Water Park explosion was a devastating disaster in Taiwan, leaving 15 dead and 484 burn injured. The present study estimated the prevalence of probable PTSD, major depression (MDD), and significant posttraumatic growth (PTG) in burn survivors three years after the explosion. Potential predictors of PTSD and depressive symptoms and PTG (demographic, burn-related, and psychosocial variables) were examined.

METHODS

Participants were 125 young adult burn survivors. The mean age at the incident was 22.4 years (SD = 4.1) and 62.4% were female. The average total body surface area burned was 51.6% (SD = 19.2%).

RESULTS

Three years after the explosion, 16.8% and 8.8% of the burn survivors met DSM-5 criteria of probable PTSD and MDD. Gender differences were observed in the prevalence of MDD but not PTSD. PTG was still highly prevalent, with 47.2%, 78.4%, and 84.0% of participants reporting significant PTG at the total scale, subscale, and item levels, respectively. Using hierarchical regression, psychosocial variables explained large amounts of variance in PTSD and depressive symptoms and PTG post-burn (△R² = 0.411, 0.377, and 0.523) beyond that explained by demographic and burn-related variables. More avoidance and less approach coping predicted greater PTSD and/or depression symptoms post-burn. More approach coping and greater social support strongly predicted higher PTG post-burn.

CONCLUSION

Rates of probable PTSD and MDD were relatively high in burn survivors, however, PTG was also highly prevalent. Coping styles and social support may play distinct roles in psychosocial adjustment after burn injury.

Enablers of psychosocial recovery in pediatric burns: perspectives from the children, parents and burn recovery support staff

Background

Pediatric burn injuries are a major cause of death and injury, occurring mainly in resource poor environments. Recovery from burns is widely reported to be constrained by physical, psychological, relationship and reintegration challenges. These challenges have been widely described, but not the enablers of psychosocial recovery. This is especially true in pediatric burn research, with few multi- perspective studies on the recovery process.

Methods

This qualitative study involved 8 focus group discussions (four with 15 children post-burn injury, four with 15 caregivers) and 12 individual interviews with staff working in pediatric burns that explored the psychosocial needs of children after a burn and the enablers of their recovery. Purposive sampling was utilized and recruitment of all three categories of participants was done primarily through the only hospital burns unit in the Western Cape, South Africa. The interviews focused on factors that supported the child’s recovery and were sequentially facilitated from the child and the family’s experiences during hospitalization, to the return home to family and friends, followed by re-entry into school. Thematic analysis was used to analyze verbatim interview transcripts.

Results

The recovery enablers that emerged included: (i) Presence and reassurance; indicating the comfort and practical help provided by family and close friends in the hospital and throughout the recovery process; (ii) Normalizing interactions and acceptance; where children were treated the same as before the injury to promote the acceptance of self and by others especially once the child returned home; and (iii) Sensitization of others and protection; signifying how persons around the child had assisted the children to deal with issues in the reintegration process including the re-entry to school.

Conclusions

This study indicates that the psychosocial recovery process of children hospitalized for burns is enabled by the supportive relationships from family members, close friends and burn staff, present during hospitalization, the return home, and school re-entry. Support included comfort and physical presence of trusted others and emotional support; affirmation of the child’s identity and belonging despite appearance changes; and the advocacy and protection for the re-entry back into the school, and more generally the community.

Social Interactions and Social Activities After Burn Injury: A Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation (LIBRE) Study

Social interactions and activities are key components of social recovery following burn injuries. The objective of this study is to determine the predictors of these areas of social recovery. This study provides a secondary analysis of a cross-sectional survey of adult burn survivors. The Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation-192 was administered to 601 burn survivors for the field-testing of the Life Impact Burn Recovery Evaluation Profile. Survivors aged 18 years and older with injuries ≥5% total BSA or burns to critical areas (hands, feet, face, or genitals) were eligible to participate. Multivariate linear regression analyses were used to determine predictors of the Social Activities and Social Interactions scale scores. A total of 599 people completed the Social Interactions and Social Activities scales. Of these, 77% identified as White Non-Hispanic, 55% were female, 55% were unmarried, and 80% had burns to critical areas. Participants had a mean age of 45 years, a mean time since burn injury of 15 years, and a mean burn size of 41% total BSA. Younger age (P < .01) and being married/living with a significant other (P ≤ .01) were associated with higher Social Activities and Social Interactions scale scores. Individual item responses reveal that survivors had lower scores on items related to participating in outdoor activities (30.4%) or feeling uncomfortable with their appearance (32.4% report dressing to avoid stares). Social interactions and activities are long-term challenges for burn survivors. It is important for clinicians to identify patients who may struggle with social recovery in order to focus on future community-based interventions.

Perceived Changes in Quality of Life in Trauma Patients: A Focus Group Study

Quality of life (QoL) following a physical trauma is still insufficiently known from a patient perspective. The aim of this study was to qualitatively report perceived changes in QoL after trauma. Focus groups were conducted. Patients admitted to the hospital were eligible for inclusion if they had a lower extremity trauma, severe injuries, or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Patients 75 years or older were invited. To analyze the perceived changes in QoL, open coding was used. Patients (n = 20, M = 55 years) reported comparable consequences. In the first month posttrauma, physical limitations, independency, pain, and anxiety predominated. Later, patients experienced problems with acceptance. The patients' feelings of the need to have control over their own situation, their own expectations, and a social network were related to QoL. Compared with the other patient groups, TBI patients reported more psychosocial consequences, and elderly patients reported more difficulties in performing (social) activities. Quality of health care was considered an important aspect in the patients' perceived QoL, and adequate aftercare was missed according to the patients. The impact of a trauma influences QoL in different health domains. Further improving the quality of aftercare may positively influence trauma patients' perceived QoL. These results indicated that TBI patients and elderly patients deserve specific attention regarding QoL.

A Correlational Study of Acute Stress and Resilience Among Hospitalized Burn Victims Following the Taiwan Formosa Fun Coast Explosion

Although the survival rate of burn patients in the Formosa Fun Coast Explosion disaster increased significantly, for patients facing long-term rehabilitation, there remained great stress. Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore the predictors of resilience among burn patients in this major disaster. We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive study in a medical center in northern Taiwan, with a total of 30 burn patients enrolled. Patients' demographics were collected, and the Resilience Scale and Perceived Stress Scale were administered. Multivariate statistical analysis by stepwise and linear regression was used to test these predictors of resilience. The results showed that perceived stress was the key predictor of resilience in the stepwise regression analysis and by adjusting variables including stress level, gender, and education level. These results indicate that the stress level of burn patients should be determined first to provide more targeted methods for reducing stress and improving resilience.

Repair of deep tissue defects in the posterior talocrural region using a superficial temporal fascia free flap plus thin split-skin grafting in extensively burned patients: A retrospective case series

The aim of this study was to describe the scheme, surgical procedures, and clinical outcomes for the early repair of deep wounds of the posterior talocrural region in extensively burned patients with a method combining a superficial temporal fascia free flap with thin split-skin grafting.From January 2013 to February 2016, 9 extensively burned patients with deep tissue defects of the posterior talocrural region were treated in our department (2 patients had bilateral deep tissue defects of the posterior talocrural region). All 11 wounds were repaired using a superficial temporal fascia free flap and thin split-skin grafting. After the operation, survival of the fascia flaps and grafted skin was observed, and the appearance and functional recovery of the grafts were evaluated. Follow-up information was reviewed, and complications were documented.All 11 fascia flaps survived completely. Two cases of partial skin necrosis healed after the second application of skin grafts. The appearance and function of recipient sites were well restored in all patients over a follow-up period of 5 to 14 months.Deep tissue defects of the posterior talocrural region can be effectively repaired with our method combining a superficial temporal fascia free flap with thin split-skin grafting. This method offers the advantages of a good appearance, strong resistance to infection, minimal damage at the donor site, short course of disease, and good prognosis.