Tag Archives: Full-thickness skin graft

PUBLISHED: Contracture Release and Full-Thickness Skin Graft to Volar Index Finger with K-Wire Insertion

Contracture Release and Full-Thickness Skin Graft to Volar Index Finger with K-Wire Insertion
Ryan P. Boyle1Jonah Poster2Jonathan Friedstat, MD3
1Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
2Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
3Shriners Hospitals for Children – Boston

The complications stemming from a poorly-healed burn wound can lead to functional deficits and overall aesthetically unfavorable results leading to psychological distress. Due to the inquisitive nature of infants and toddlers, and their nature to learn the world with their hands, their sensitive regions like the hands become likely targets for burns.

Superficial burns can be managed on an outpatient basis with spontaneous healing expected in 2 or 3 days with minimal scarring. Deep burns, particularly in pediatric populations, need considerable attention to avoid secondary contracture that leads to deformity.

Many treatment options exist, but in sensitive areas like the hands and face, full-thickness skin grafts are favored due to their superior healing and decreased likelihood of secondary contracture. This article aims to guide the surgeon in managing a pediatric burn wound with an arsenal of treatment options with the goal of achieving full mobility and functionality of the hand.

PREPRINT RELEASE: Contracture Release and Full-Thickness Skin Graft to Volar Index Finger with K-Wire Insertion


Contracture Release and Full-Thickness Skin Graft to Volar Index Finger with K-Wire Insertion
Shriners Hospitals for Children – Boston

Jonathan Friedstat, MD
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Shriners Hospitals for Children – Boston
Massachusetts General Hospital

Jonah Poster
Medical Student
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai

This case centers around a young male patient with a 1-year-old burn scar on his volar index finger that keeps the finger flexed and prevents it from being straightened. Here, Dr. Friedstat releases the contracture and places a full-thickness skin graft from the right groin crease. A K-wire was also used to prevent flexion of the finger during the healing process.