Full-thickness skin graft from the ulnar aspect of the wrist to cover defects on the hand and digits.

Abstract

Skin defects on the volar surface of the hand and digits are commonly treated with skin grafts. Many donor sites capable of providing adequate skin have already been reported. Ideal conditions for the donor site depend on skin color, texture, durability, and size. The authors describe the use of a new donor site for harvesting skin grafts to repair relatively small skin defects on the hand and digits. They used full-thickness skin grafts from the ulnar aspect of the wrist to reconstruct burn contractures and syndactyly in 20 patients. Their grafts provided an ideal color and texture match, and normal function of the hand and digits was restored. The donor site was closed directly, and the resulting scar was inconspicuous.