THE USE OF FULL-THICKNESS SKIN-GRAFTS FOR THE REPAIR OF DEFECTS ON THE DORSAL HAND AND DIGITS

BACKGROUND. The hand is a complex part of the human body and plays an important role in our everyday lives. It is critical to preserve manua l function when repairing surgical defects on the dorsum of the hand a nd digits. OBJECTIVE. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the fall-thi ckness skin graft (FTSG) in the repair of surgical defects on the dors um of the hand and digits. METHODS. Through a retrospective review of photographic and written records and person-to-person interviews, the authors evaluated 19 patients who underwent FTSG repair of 21 defects on the dorsum of the hand and digits after Mohs micrographic surgery. RESULTS. In all cases, the FTSG was durable, yielded good cosmetic res ults, and maintained normal function of the hand. CONCLUSION. The FTSG is a good option for repairing surgical defects on the dorsum of the hand and digits.