Delayed full-thickness grafting of lower leg defects following removal of skin malignancies.

BACKGROUND

Closure of wounds on the lower leg can be difficult. If primary closure of local flap repair cannot be accomplished, grafting is usually the next option. Full-thickness grafts are, generally superior to split-thickness grafts, but may not survive immediate postoperative grafting on the lower leg.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this report is to demonstrate another approach to treatment of lower leg wounds.

METHODS

Thirteen patients with lower leg wounds were successfully closed with a delayed full-thickness skin graft.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that delayed full-thickness grafting of the lower extremities may have advantages over other methods.