Investigating factors affecting skin graft success after forearm or fibula flaps
Factors Affecting Split Thickness Skin Graft Success Rates in Patients Who Underwent a Radial Forearm or Fibula Free Flap
This study is testing if keeping a cast and bolster on longer after skin graft surgery helps the grafts heal better for patients who had radial forearm or fibula flaps.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 220 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Southern California Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT04648267 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to evaluate how the duration of cast and bolster application affects the success rates of split thickness skin grafts in patients who have undergone radial forearm or fibula free flap surgeries. A total of 220 patients will be recruited and randomized into two groups: one receiving the standard care of 5-7 days of cast and bolster, and the other receiving an extended duration of 10-14 days. Participants will complete pre-surgery quality of life surveys and will be monitored post-operatively to assess graft integration and healing. The study is expected to last for five years.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adult patients who have undergone a radial forearm free flap or fibula free flap with a split thickness skin graft placed over the donor site.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable to make informed decisions or cannot attend their one-month post-operative appointment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the success rates of skin grafts, leading to better recovery outcomes for patients undergoing reconstructive surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored skin graft success, this specific approach of varying cast duration is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adult patients who underwent a radial forearm free flap or fibula free flap and split thickness skin graft placed over the donor site Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who cannot make informed decisions * Patients who cannot make their one month post-operative appointment.
Where this trial is running
Los Angeles, California
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Liyang Tang
- Email: liyang.tang@med.usc.edu
- Phone: 1-800-USC-CARES
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.