Deep dermal
burns can be covered with different kind of materials and techniques; one of them is a
polylactide-based temporary
skin substitute. The aim of this study was to intraindividually compare its 1-year outcome with the results obtained by use of autologous skin grafts in patients suffering from deep dermal
burns. A prospective noninferiority trial was designed in order to assess skin quality and
scar formation by use of subjective (Vancouver
Scar Scale; Patient and Observer
Scar Assessment Scale) and objective (noninvasive cutometry)
burn scar assessment tools. All items of the Patient and Observer
Scar Assessment Scale, except vascularity, were found to be noninferior in the areas covered with the temporary
skin substitute vs. autologous skin. Results of objective
scar evaluation showed comparable viscoelastic parameters without reaching noninferiority. Overall, the outcome of deep dermal
burns covered with a
polylactide-based temporary
skin substitute revealed satisfactory results in terms of
scar formation and skin quality as compared with autologous skin. This paper supports its use in deep dermal
burns, where autologous skin donor sites require either to be reserved for coverage of full-thickness skin defects in severe
burns or to be saved for reduction of additional morbidity in selected patient collectives.