Split-thickness skin grafting of leg ulcers. The University of Miami Department of Dermatology's experience (1990-1993).

BACKGROUND

Skin grafting for large and recalcitrant lower extremity ulcers is a commonly used therapy. However, the success rate for grafts performed by dermatologists is largely unknown.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze our experience with meshed split-thickness skin grafts for leg ulcers.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed all hospitalized dermatology patients who underwent meshed split-thickness skin grafting for lower extremity ulceration due to a variety of causes performed by the Department of Dermatology at the University of Miami over a 3-year period (1990-1993).

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients with 36 ulcers were grafted. Greater than 90% of ulcers had initial graft take. At long-term follow-up, 52% of ulcers were healed, 26% were partially healed, and 22% recurred.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that meshed split-thickness skin grafting is a safe and effective therapy for recalcitrant lower extremity ulcers.