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Plastic SurgeryManagement

Skin Graft Selection Algorithm (STSG vs FTSG)

Skin Graft Selection Algorithm (STSG vs FTSG): Skin Graft Required → Recipient Site Location → Aesthetically Important → Recipient Bed Quality → Full Th...

Pathway Overview

9 steps

Algorithm Steps

9 total

  1. 01Start

    Skin Graft Required

  2. 02Decision

    Recipient Site Location

  3. 03Action

    Aesthetically Important

    Face, hands, exposed areas

  4. 04Decision

    Recipient Bed Quality

    • Well-vascularized
    • Questionable
    • Poor (bone/tendon)
  5. 05End

    Full Thickness Graft (FTSG)

    Better color match, less contraction, higher failure risk

    • Donor: groin, postauricular, supraclavicular
    • Primary closure of donor site
  6. 06End

    Thick STSG (0.015-0.018 in)

    Good durability, moderate contraction

    • Thigh, buttock donor
    • Heals by secondary intention
  7. 07End

    Thin STSG (0.008-0.012 in)

    Best take, most contraction

    • Large areas
    • Meshing possible for expansion
  8. 08Action

    Functional Area

    Joints, mobile areas

  9. Path rejoins step 04Shared downstream outcome
  10. 09Action

    Large Surface Area

    Burns, extensive wounds

  11. Path rejoins step 07Shared downstream outcome

Guideline Source

ASPS Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: Skin Grafting

DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000006478View Guideline

Clinical Safety Information

Clinical Decision Support — Not a Substitute for Clinical Judgment

Individual patient factors may require deviation from these recommendations.

Known Limitations

  • Recipient bed vascularity critical for graft take
  • Patient factors affect healing
  • Donor site morbidity considerations

Applicable Regions

USAUUKEU

UK: BAPRAS recommendations

US: ASPS guidelines

Version 1Next review: 2028-01-01

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Skin Graft Selection Algorithm (STSG vs FTSG)?

The Skin Graft Selection Algorithm (STSG vs FTSG) is a management clinical algorithm for Plastic Surgery. It provides a structured decision tree to guide clinical decision-making, based on ASPS Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: Skin Grafting.

What guideline is the Skin Graft Selection Algorithm (STSG vs FTSG) based on?

This algorithm is based on ASPS Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline: Skin Grafting (DOI: 10.1097/PRS.0000000000006478).

What are the limitations of the Skin Graft Selection Algorithm (STSG vs FTSG)?

Known limitations include: Recipient bed vascularity critical for graft take; Patient factors affect healing; Donor site morbidity considerations. Individual patient factors may require deviation from these recommendations.

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