Which property correctly distinguishes a full-thickness skin graft (FTSG) from a split-thickness skin graft?

• A FTSG requires a well-vascularised recipient bed and has a lower take rate than STSG ✓
• B FTSG undergoes greater secondary contraction than STSG
• C FTSG donor sites heal by re-epithelialisation from adnexal remnants
• D FTSG provides poorer colour and texture match than STSG

Explanation

An FTSG carries the entire dermis, so it demands more from the recipient bed during imbibition and ingrowth and therefore has a lower take rate than an STSG, while giving superior colour, texture, and durability. Because it contains full dermal appendages and dermis, it contracts far less than an STSG, making option B wrong. Its donor site is closed primarily rather than left to re-epithelialise, ruling out option C.

Reference: Bailey and Love's Short Practice of Surgery, 27th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.