Which is a benefit of using a split-thickness mesh graft of skin?

a. Can be cut to fit exactly to the recipient site
b. Prevents serum from escaping the openings in the recipient site
c. Can be placed over the recipient site with slight tension
d. Heals by first intention

ANS: C
A mesh graft makes it possible to obtain a greater area of coverage from a split-thickness skin graft by using a dermatome to cut small parallel slits in the graft and permit expansion of the graft to cover an area three times as large as the original graft obtained from the donor site. The mesh graft can be placed over the recipient site with slight tension. The increased edge exposures are conducive to rapid epithelialization. The mesh allows serum to escape through the openings. Although this method covers a larger area and contours well, much of the wound has to heal by secondary intention, causing scar contracture.