A Pilot Study of Microcolumn Skin Grafting in Full-thickness Burns

Abstract This pilot study evaluated the feasibility of treating third-degree, full-thickness burn wounds with both split-thickness skin grafts (STSGs) and micro skin tissue columns (MSTC). Donor sites for both grafting techniques were also assessed. Patients aged ≥18 years with ≤60% total body surface area (TBSA) third-degree, full-thickness burns were enrolled. One 2.5 x 2.5 cm2 wound area was treated in each subject, with the remaining portion of the wound used as an internal control. The target wound was treated with MSTCs + STSG while the control site was treated with STSG. Patients were followed for up to nine months after wound closure. Primary endpoints included re-epithelialization rate (RER), scarring (Vancouver Scar Scale, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale), and donor site pain (visual analogue scale). Ten patients were enrolled. Overall, MSTC donor sites were less painful, epithelialized faster, and resulted in improved POSAS and VSS scores than STSG donor sites. For all endpoints, there were no differences in the recipient wounds grafted with or without MSTCs. Intraoperative MSTC grafting is feasible and results in minimal donor site morbidity. This pilot study was unable to demonstrate enhanced wound healing or reduced scar formation when MSTCs were applied simultaneously with STSGs to burn wounds. Larger clinical studies are needed to assess the utility of MSTCs in conjunction with STSGs.