Coverage of radial forearm flap donor site with full thickness skin graft and Matriderm®: An alternative reliable solution?
ANN CHIR PLAST ESTH 2019;
65:213-218. [PMID:
31445777 DOI:
10.1016/j.anplas.2019.06.009]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE
After harvesting a radial forearm flap (RFF) an optimal aesthetic and functional restitution of the donor site is required. In order to cover the secondary defect of the donor site, several solutions are currently available, but there is still no real evidence of the most reliable option. A retrospective study was conducted in order to evaluate a new technique of forearm coverage with artificial dermis: the association of full thickness skin graft (FTSG) with Matriderm®.
METHODS
Our study included all RFF performed during a 34-month period. Forty-three forearm secondary defects after harvesting a RFF (16 men, 27 female) were included. Forearm donor site was covered using three techniques: a simple FTSG, split thickness skin graft (STSG) with Matriderm® or FTSG with Matriderm®. Clinical evaluations based on residual functionality, skin quality and aesthetic result were assessed using respectively the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score and a blind panel questionnaire.
RESULTS
FTSG with Matriderm® showed an improved DASH (10.6/100) and VSS score (5.5/13) if compared to the other techniques, mean surgeon satisfaction score was 3/5, mean patient satisfaction score was 3/5 in the FTSG with Matriderm® group.
CONCLUSION
The results of this study revealed that the new association of FTSG with Matriderm® improves the DASH score and the aesthetic outcomes resulting to be a reliable solution in treating full thickness forearm skin defects after RFF harvesting.
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