cultured keratinocytes
Pronunciation: CARE-uh-tin-oh-sites
Laboratory-grown skin cells used as temporary wound coverage for extensive burns when insufficient donor sites exist.
Full Definition
Cultured keratinocytes represent an advanced biotechnology solution for treating massive burns where traditional autografting is impossible due to insufficient donor site availability. These cells are grown in specialized laboratories from small skin biopsies taken from the patient, then expanded over several weeks to create sheets of epithelial cells. While cultured keratinocytes can provide temporary wound coverage and stimulate healing, they lack the durability and functional properties of full-thickness skin grafts. In burn surgery documentation, their use is typically reserved for life-threatening extensive burns exceeding 60-70% total body surface area, serving as a bridge therapy until donor sites can regenerate for conventional grafting.
Usage
Usage note: Specify culture time and source; typically requires 2-3 weeks for expansion.
In Context
- "Cultured keratinocytes provided temporary coverage for the massive burn until autografting became possible." — advanced treatment plan
- "The patient required cultured keratinocytes due to 80% total body surface area burns and limited donor sites." — burn center case review