Dermal Substitute: a Safe and Effective Way in Surgical Management of Adults Post-Burn Dorsal Foot Contractures.

OBJECTIVE: Neglected dorsal fo.t burns may result in typical f.ref..t def.rmities characterised by c.ntractures leading t. hyperextensi.n.f the t.es and gait disturbance. These def.rmities usually cause a significant impairment in daily activities and difficulty in wearing sh.es. This article presents a rec.nstructi.n series.f severe f.ref..t def.rmities by means of dermal regenerati.n templates (also known as dermal substitutes) and split thickness skin grafts. PATIENTS AND METHODS: W e r etr.spectively reviewed.ur instituti.nal burn database fr.m 2010 t. 2020 focusing on all those d.rsal f..t c.ntractures treated with the use.f a dermal regenerati.n template. The patients' dem.graphics, burn injury mechanisms, depth, l.calizati.n, surface, treatments and f.ll.w- up were described. RESULTS: Twelve patients underwent this pr.cedure and the mean affected area was 75 cm2. The mean time between the dermal regenerati.n template applicati.n and the split thickness skin graft was 19.6 days. Just f.r one patient, an additi.nal skin grafting pr.cedure was required. The mean f.ll.w- up was 4.6 years. We did not register specific c.mplicati.ns at b.th the recipient (forefoot) and d.n.r sites (scalp). All patients were able t. wear sh.es and walk after the procedure. N. recurrence.f c.ntractures were.bserved. All patients were satisfied with c.smetic results, and they did not request any additi.nal pr.cedure.f c.smetic impr.vement. CONCLUSIONS: The use.f the dermal regenerati.n template can be c.nsidered as an extremely safe and efficient treatment.f severe post-burn f.ref..t def.rmities.