Autologous Graft Thickness Affects Scar Contraction and Quality in a Porcine Excisional Wound Model.

Background: Texture, color, and durability are important characteristics to consider for skin replacement in conspicuous and/or mobile regions of the body such as the face, neck, and hands. Although autograft thickness is a known determinant of skin quality, few studies have correlated the subjective and objective characters of skin graft healing with their associated morphologic and cellular profiles. Defining these relationships may help guide development and evaluation of future skin replacement strategies.

Recipient wound bed characteristics affect scarring and skin graft contraction.

The use of autograft skin is essential in the treatment of full thickness burns and large cutaneous defects. Both autograft thickness and condition of the wound bed modulate aesthetic and functional outcomes. Thicker autografts contract less and maintain greater functionality as the scar matures.

Characterization and management of mandibular fractures: lessons learned from Iraq and Afghanistan.

Fractures of the mandible are among the most common facial injuries. Invasiveness of treatment should be determined by the extent of injury: degree of displacement, number of fractures, the patient's health status, and concomitant injuries. Complex, comminuted, and avulsive injuries frequently seen in combat will require coordination with multiple specialties to provide the best treatment.

Head and neck manifestations of tuberculosis.

TB is a serious communicable disease that causes 2 million deaths a year worldwide. It is estimated one third of the world's population is infected with TB. TB has proved difficult to eradicate.