Professional
Technical
IVT
split-thickness skin graft
Skin graft containing epidermis and partial dermis, commonly used for burn wound coverage.
Full Definition
A split-thickness skin graft (STSG) consists of the epidermis and a variable portion of the dermis, typically harvested at 0.008-0.015 inches thickness. This is the most common type of skin graft used in burn reconstruction because it has reliable take rates, heals donor sites spontaneously, and can be harvested repeatedly from the same location. STSGs provide durable wound coverage but have limited sensory recovery and may have a different texture and color than surrounding skin.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate the full term; commonly abbreviated as STSG in medical documentation.
In Context
- "Split-thickness skin grafts were harvested from the thigh and applied to the burn wounds." — operative report
- "STSG donor sites typically heal within 7-14 days with appropriate dressing care." — postoperative instructions
Also known as
STSG
partial-thickness graft
Contrasted with
full-thickness graft
Don't confuse with
full-thickness skin graft
composite graft