What skin graft thickness is most likely to take?

• A. 0.020-0.030 inches
• B. 0.015-0.025 inches
• C. 0.008-0.012 inches
• D. 0.005-0.007 inches

Answer: (C)

Graft take hinges on how quickly the graft can revascularize from the underlying bed. A thinner graft is small enough that oxygen and nutrients can diffuse across until new blood vessels form, but still provides enough dermal structure to heal. About 0.008–0.012 inches (roughly 0.2–0.3 mm) strikes this balance, making take more reliable for most foot wounds.

Thicker grafts, like 0.015–0.025 or 0.020–0.030 inches, have greater metabolic demands and a longer path for new vessels to reach, which can reduce take especially on compromised or poorly vascularized beds. Extremely thin grafts, around 0.005–0.007 inches, can be too fragile and prone to desiccation or shearing, undermining graft survival.