Abstract
Background Skin defects in the hands are common injuries, and autologous skin grafting is the
ideal treatment. However, complications can occur at the donor and recipient sites.
This study compares the “Swing-door” technique with conventional skin grafting.
Methods From August 2019 to February 2023, 19 patients with skin defects of hand underwent
the “Swing-door” split-thickness skin graft (STSG) technique. The thin epithelial
layer was elevated with proximal part attached. Skin graft was harvested beneath.
Donor site was then closed with epithelial flap like a “Swing-door”. The outcomes
were evaluated in terms of healing time, scar formation, and pain at the donor and
recipient sites. The data were compared with the conventional STSG.
Results The “Swing-door” group had lower graft take percentages, but complications did not
significantly differ between the two groups. The “Swing-door” technique resulted in
better cosmetic outcomes, as evidenced by lower Vancouver Scar Scale scores, faster
donor site epithelialization, and reduced pain and discomfort during the early postoperative
period, as measured by Visual Analog Scale.
Conclusion The “Swing-door” STSG is a useful alternative for treating hand skin defects.
Keywords
hand injury - wound healing - skin transplantation - hand
