Functional and aesthetic outcomes of abdominal full‐thickness skin grafts in paediatric postburn digital and palmar flexion contractures

Abstract

The study aimed to assess the functional and aesthetic outcomes of abdominal full‐thickness skin grafts (FTSGs) in paediatric postburn digital and palmar flexion contractures. The digital and palmar functions and aesthetics of 50 children who met the criteria were evaluated at pre‐operation, the 3rd‐ and 12th‐month post‐operation, respectively. In the evaluation, the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), total active movement (TAM), and Jebsen–Taylor Hand Function Test (JHFT) were used. The contralateral, unaffected hand served as the criteria for functional recovery. The complications of donor sites were observed, and the take rate of skin grafts was calculated. The VSS scores at the 3rd and 12th months post‐operation were lower than those before the operation. The TAM of each finger was improved at the 3rd and 12th months post‐operation, compared with that before the operation. There was a significant difference in the time to complete the JHFT between the affected hand and the unaffected at the 3rd month post‐operation, but no significant difference between them at the 12th month post‐operation. The excellent and good take rate of the skin grafts was 90.00%.No donor site complications were observed. The abdominal FTSGs are effective in repairing paediatric digital and palmar scar contractures, with satisfying functional and aesthetic results, especially in large defects after scar release and resection.