Clinical experience with Alloderm: a one-staged composite dermal/epidermal replacement utilizing processed cadaver dermis and thin autografts

Abstract

Alloderm has been advocated for the management of acute burns. However, few studies have demonstrated the feasibility of this technique.

Methods: We reviewed the medical records of all patients treated in our burn center who received Alloderm since 1999.

Results: Alloderm was used in 21 burn patients and 6 patients with traumatic skin loss. The average size of Alloderm used in the burn patients was 517+/-144 cm(2) (range 24-3000 cm(2)). The average Alloderm thickness used was 0.008 in. and autografts were harvested at an average of 0.007 in. Overall, Alloderm was used in a variety of locations including the face in 3 patients (2 burns, 1 traumatic skin loss) and hands in 7 patients (6 burns, 1 traumatic skin loss). Successful take was observed in 26/27 patients.

Conclusions: Alloderm can be used successfully in patients with acute burns requiring grafting.