Outcome of the Modified Meek Technique in the Management of Major Pediatric Burns

INTRODUCTION: The modified Meek micrografting technique has been used in the treatment of severely burned patients and a number of articles have examined the use of the modified Meek technique in adults and in mixed-age groups. However, there is a paucity of research pertaining to the outcome in the pediatric age group. The aim of this study is to present our favorable outcome in pediatric major burns using the modified Meek technique.

METHODS: A retrospective review of burn cases in Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia from 2010 to 2015 was conducted. Cases of major burns among pediatric patients grafted using the Meek technique were examined.

RESULTS: Twelve patients were grafted using the Meek technique. Ten (91.7%) patients were male, whereas 2 (8.3%) were female. The average age of patients was 6 years (range, 2-11 years). The average total body surface area was 35.4% (range, 15%-75%). Most burn mechanisms were due to flame injury (66.7%) as compared with scalds injury (16.7%) and chemical injury (16.7%). There was no mortality. All patients were completely grafted with a good donor site scar. The average graft take rate was 82.3%, although 8 cases had positive tissue cultures from the Meek-grafted areas. The average follow-up duration was 3.6 years (range, 1.1-6.7 years). Only 1 case developed contracture over minor joint.

CONCLUSIONS: The Meek technique is useful when there is a paucity of donor site in the pediatric group. The graft take is good, contracture formation is low, and this technique is cost-effective.