An Alternative Coverage for Split Thickness Skin Graft Donor Site Wounds

Abstract

Diabetic foot and ankle soft tissue reconstruction poses a difficult challenge to the treating surgeon, especially in cases associated with previous infection or amputation. Maintenance of a functional, plantigrade limb is important with regard to prevention of persistent or recurrent cutaneous compromise following diabetic limb salvage. Wound coverage by means of application of a split thickness skin graft (STSG) is a useful technique; however, donor site wounds require care during the early postoperative period, and can pose a challenge to wound healing in and of themselves. In this article, we describe a technique of management of STSG donor site wounds that we have found to be useful and well tolerated by our patients.