Evaluation of contraction of the split-thickness skin graft using three dermal matrices in the treatment of burn contractures: A randomised clinical trial

Burn injuries commonly result in serious sequelae (such as skin contractures) in surviving patients, for which no single optimal solution is known. The goal of this study was to compare the late contraction of autologous skin grafts with or without dermal matrices used in the treatment of patients with burn contractures. This parallel design prospective, randomised and controlled clinical trial included patients with burn contracture treated using autologous skin grafts and dermal matrix. Patients were randomly assigned to one of the four groups: Integra (R) matrix (n = 10), Pelnac (R) matrix (n = 10), Matriderm (R) matrix (n = 9) or a Control Group (n = 10, without dermal matrix, only skin graft). The boundaries of skin defect were marked and transferred to a flat sterile surface for area measurement. The current area of the skin grafts was measured during surgery and compared with those obtained at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Twelve months after surgery, the Control Group presented lower rates of skin graft contraction than Integra (R) (p < 0.01), Matriderm (R) (p = 0.01) and Pelnac (R) (p < 0.01) groups. Pelnac (R) resulted in larger skin graft contraction than Matriderm (R) (p < 0.01) and Integra (R) (p = 0.02), while differences between Integra (R) and Matriderm (R) were not significant (p = 0.16). The comparison between intraoperative and 12 months after surgery showed that the worst mean rates of skin graft contraction were from the Pelnac (R) (51.79%) and Matriderm (R) (59.17%). In patients with burn contractures, the use of these three dermal matrices did not reduce or avoid the occurrence of late contraction of the skin graft, so their use for this purpose should be carefully evaluated.