Indications for determination of the thickness for split skin grafts

Abstract

To summarize, as a rule, in adults thin skin grafts of from .008 to .010 of an inch in thickness are used to cover granulating areas and to reline cavities such as the eye sockets and sulci in the mouth. “Three-quarter thickness” skin grafts cut from .018 to .022 of an inch in thickness in adults but thinner according to the age of the child, are used after release of healed or nearly healed contractures and to cover most aseptic denuded areas or cavities. Similarly, the “three-quarter thickness” skin graft is used on the neck and face. It will give the maximum cosmetic correction as a rule and insofar as skin grafts are concerned in contradistinction to skin flaps, the minimum contracture if due allowance for contracture is made. In children full thickness skin grafts are used when small areas are to be covered and in web fingers. For the lower eyelid when a small ectropion is present, a “full thickness” skin graft from behind the ear may be acceptable. When a large healed ectropion of the eyelid or lip is to be corrected a non-hairy down area is selected such as the inner side of the arm where sufficient skin may be obtained.