Autologous layered fat-and-skin grafting for post-burn scar contracture
Official title: Autologous Point-of-Care Adipose Therapy for Reconstruction and Regeneration of Traumatized Skin: Delayed Injury/Scar
Run by University of Pittsburgh · NCT06857435 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether using a patient’s own fat layer plus a skin graft can match the results of a full-thickness skin graft for delayed reconstruction of burn- or trauma-related scar contractures.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 40 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Pittsburgh Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 2 sites (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | November 4, 2025 |
| Main results expected | January 31, 2028 |
| Study ends | October 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | July 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06857435 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18 years and older with scar contractures from burns or trauma, eligible for scar revision and reconstruction, and willing to be randomized.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients for whom randomized fat grafting is not feasible or appropriate, or those with contraindications to fat grafting or skin grafting.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
Adults with burn or trauma-related scar contractures are randomized to receive either standard full-thickness skin grafting or an autologous layered composite grafting approach that includes a fat graft at the base followed by skin grafting. The study aims to determine non-inferiority of the fat-plus-skin method in healing, scar quality, and infection risk. Evaluators are blinded to treatment assignment to reduce bias. The approach is designed as a single-stage reconstruction to improve tissue softness, reduce scarring, and simplify the procedure. Primary methods include fat grafting at the time of scar revision and concurrent split-thickness skin grafting for soft-tissue restoration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from similar or better healing with potentially reduced scarring and infection risk using a single-stage, fat-inclusive reconstruction.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests fat grafting can improve soft tissue characteristics and reduce scar formation in reconstructive procedures; this study evaluates non-inferiority in a receptor-blinded randomized context.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * The proposed study will include adult patients 18 years of age or older, * male or female, * civilian, military, active duty or retired veterans * presenting for scar contracture release and reconstruction at any level. * Additional inclusion criteria includes willingness to be randomized to receive a fat graft. Exclusion Criteria: * Age \< 18 years of age, * active infection, * medical co-morbidities or anatomic configuration deemed by the physician to be a concern for safety, * unwilling or unable to comply with study procedures, * radiation to the site of interest, * prisoners and/or vulnerable populations. * In addition, candidates that are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the next year, will be excluded.
Where it's running
-
Mercy Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting -
Presbyterian Hospital
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Francesco Egro — University of Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Eleanor Shirley
- Email: shirleye@upmc.edu
- Phone: 412-641-8676
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.