The comparative study on the rehabilitation of joint function in burn patients between two types of skin grafting

Objective: In order to know if reserving adequate depth of healthy fat tissue at wound bed would improving the joint function of extremities postoperatively, a total of 121 patients with deep burns on joint sites in limbs, which were admitted to our hospital since 1991, were randomly selected for the study. Methods: 58 cases （1991-1997） received split thickness autograft at the plane of deep fascia （group Ⅰ） while the other 63 cases （1998- 2003） reserved adequate depth of healthy fat tissue at wound bed （group Ⅱ）. Results: The occurrence of dysfunction in major joints and fist finger webs was significant lower, and the external appearance was more satisfactory in group Ⅱthan groupⅠ. Conclusion: Reserving adequate depth of healthy fat tissue at wound bed on joint site is beneficial not only to improve limb function but also to increase life quality in burn patients.