Implantation of autologous strip- and columnar-shaped adipose grafts for enhanced wound healing.

OBJECTIVE

This cohort study compared split-thickness skin graft transplantation and dispersed implantation of autologous strip skin (ASS) grafts combined with small autologous columnar skin (SCS) grafts for the treatment of small-area deep burn wounds.

METHODS

The experimental group was treated with dispersed implantation of ASS grafts combined with SCS grafts, whereas the control group underwent split-thickness skin graft (STSG) transplantation.

RESULTS

The graft survival rate was significantly greater in the experimental group (p < 0.0001). The time to complete epithelialization was similar for both groups (p = 0.6626). The ratio of the donor site area to the wound area was lower (p = 0.0002), and the healing time for the donor site was shorter in the experimental group (p < 0.0001). Additionally, the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores for both the donor and recipient sites were significantly lower in the experimental group (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0075).

CONCLUSION

The combined implantation of ASS and SCS grafts effectively promoted the healing of small-area third-degree burn wounds, with good preservation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands. This method reduces wound contraction and damage to the donor site, with no significant lamellate scar hyperplasia observed during long-term follow-up, making it a viable alternative to split-thickness skin graft transplantation.