Abstract

Traumatic skin loss is a common problem in elderly patients presenting to an accident and emergency department. The authors report their experience with 25 patients in whom pretibial wounds were debrided, and covered with skin grafts taken under local anaesthetic and meshed by hand. All were immediately mobilized and discharged home. Healing was satisfactory in every case and there were no complications. All the patients found the treatment acceptable, and were delighted to avoid admission to hospital. This is a simple and effective outpatient procedure which can readily be carried out in the accident and emergency department.