Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries
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Our objective was to compare the outcomes of full thickness skin grafts versus split thickness skin grafts in paediatric hand burn patients. A systematic review and meta-analysis were carried out in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) Guidelines, and an electronic search was conducted to identify all Randomised Controlled Trials and non-randomised studies comparing the outcomes of full thickness skin grafts versus split thickness skin grafts in paediatric hand burn patients. Primary outcomes included development of post-graft contracture and the necessity for surgical release. ⋯ However, split thickness skin grafts, showed to be superior in scar, aesthetic, and colour assessments, and less hair growth was observed for split thickness skin grafts. No significant difference was seen in sensation and donor or recipient site complaints. Overall, full thickness skin grafts are a better alternative for paediatric hand burns than split thickness skin transplants because they are linked with reduced post-graft contracture and the requirement for surgical release.