A Comparison of Full-Thickness Versus Split-Thickness Autografts for the Coverage of Deep Palm Burns in the Very Young Pediatric Patient

From 1984 through 1989, 24 patients with 30 acute palmar burns (six were bilateral) that required skin grafting were evaluated to compare the efficacy of split-thickness versus full-thickness autografting. Sixteen of the palms had split-thickness skin grafts and 14 had full-thickness skin grafts. Normal range of motion was found in 8 of 14 palms that were treated with full-thickness skin grafts and in 4 of 16 for those that were treated with split-thickness skin grafts. Significantly fewer reconstructive surgical procedures were required in the palm burns that were treated with full-thickness skin grafts (full-thickness = 3 of 14 and split-thickness = 10 of 16). The results demonstrate improved function and decreased need for reconstructive procedures when full-thickness skin grafts are used for the treatment of deep palm burns in young pediatric patients.