The "stegosaurus" dressing: a simple and effective method of securing skin grafts in the burn patient.

Abstract

Skin grafts are vulnerable to shear stress, infection, and hematoma formation during the postoperative period, all of which reduce graft survival. Various methods of dressing application and materials have been described in the literature to try and prevent graft loss. The authors report the use of the "stegosaurus dressing" (Eggcrate Pad) in 6 patients to secure skin grafts. Patients chosen were those who were either noncompliant or who sustained burns in unfavorable anatomic sites. All grafts demonstrated complete take without infection and hematoma formation. This foam dressing provides an even pressure to the recipient bed, absorbs drainage, and protects the graft from shearing. It also demonstrates the versatility to be used in difficult nonburn skin graft areas. The stegosaurus dressing is easy to apply, inexpensive, and provides a very secure dressing over the skin graft.