The Treatment of Bone Exposure in Burns by Using Artificial Dermis

Abstract

The treatment of bone-exposed wounds with artificial dermis is not widely accepted in burn patients because of uncertain clinical results. This article aimed to review our clinical experience with this technique. We implanted artificial dermis in 11 bone-exposed burns. Implantation was directly performed on bones with periosteum, whereas bones without periosteum were trephinated or burred before implantation. All wounds were closed by secondary skin grafting. The mean patient age was 49 years. Lower extremity is the most common site of bone exposure. The mean bone exposed area was 55.6 cm, whereas the mean Integra-implanted area was 86.7 cm. The overall implant take rate was 91%, and the skin grafting success rate was 80%. No secondary breakdown was noted after a 2-year follow-up. This study confirms that artificial dermis can be an alternative treatment tool for burns with exposed bones, especially in patients with limited donor sites.