Micrografts II: Evaluation of 25:1, 50:1, and 100:1 Expansion Skin Grafts in the Porcine Model

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Abstract
This study was undertaken to evaluate 25:1, 50:1, and 100:1 expansions of micronized skin grafts in a porcine model. Two full-thickness skin excisions (graft and control) were performed on each of 30 immature pigs (20 pounds). The pigs were divided into three groups of 10 animals each: group A, 25 cm2; group B, 50 cm2; and group C, 100 cm2. One square centimeter of the excised skin was thinned to produce a thick split-thickness skin graft. Four 90-degree passes were made through a skin mesher with the smooth side of the plastic mesh carrier to produce uniform pieces of skin. These pieces were applied to one area on each pig. Both the graft and control sites were covered with film. The film was removed on postoperative day 7, and excision sites were photographed on postoperative days 7, 10, 14, and 21. Healing was evaluated with a 12 x 12 inch digitizing pad to estimate the percent area healed. Healing was compared via analysis of variance, with percent area healed used as the dependent variable and treatment (control or graft) and postoperative day and expansion size used as the independent variables. No difference was found on postoperative day 7. On postoperative day 10, 25:1 grafts healed better than the 50:1 grafts, which were healed more than the 100:1 grafts. No difference was seen between 25:1 and 50:1 grafts on postoperative day 14; however, they were healed better than the 100:1 expansion grafts. No difference was seen between the graft sites on postoperative day 21. Except for the 100:1 graft on postoperative day 10, the graft sites were significantly better healed than the control sites for all expansion sizes on postoperative days 10, 14, and 21. The optimum graft size appears to be between 25:1 and 50:1. This study suggests the possible use of these grafts in the clinical setting. These grafts provide an immediately available autograft with a large expansion ratio.

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