GLABROUS SKIN GRAFT FOR PALMER SKIN DEFECTS; SIMPLE BUT USEFUL PROCEDURE

Abstract

Objective: To assess the usefulness of glabrous skin graft in covering palmer defects.

Study Design: Descriptive case series.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was conducted at Combined Military Hospital Rawalpindi from January 2013 to June 2016.

Material and Methods: Seventy patients of both sexes with hand defects secondary to trauma, burn or surgery who underwent coverage with glabrous skin were included in the study. None of these wounds had any exposed vital structure. Patients were operated and reviewed by the same team. Skin graft was harvested from the hypothenar eminence using simple surgical blade. Age, sex and outcome was recorded and data were evaluated.

Results: Out of 70 cases 53 (75.71%) had a good graft uptake, 14 (20%) had partial graft loss while 3 (4.28%) had complete loss of graft. None of the healed grafts had hyperkeratosis or contracture. Major advantages were found out to be good colour and texture match. All of our patients with healed grafts were satisfied with the functional and cosmetic outcome. All of the donor sites healed well and required no intervention.

Conclusion: Coverage of small palmer wounds with glabrous skin grafts had shown excellent cosmetic and functional outcome along with minimal donor site morbidity and easy technique.