Background :
Split-thickness skin grafting (STSG) is a cornerstone in reconstructive surgery. The Humby knife and shaving blade are two techniques for harvesting grafts, but their comparative efficacy remains understudied. This trial evaluates outcomes of both methods in 100 patients.
Methods :
A single-center randomized controlled trial (2021?2023) was conducted on 100 patients divided into 2 groups: Humby knife (n=50) and shaving blade (n=50).
Primary outcomes included graft take rate and complications. Secondary outcomes were operative time, pain scores, and cosmetic results. Statistical analysis was performed using t-tests, chi-square, and multivariate regression.
Results :
The Humby knife group had higher graft take rates (94% vs. 82%, p=0.03), lower infection rates (4% vs. 14%, p=0.04), and superior cosmetic outcomes (Humby: 6% vs. Shaving: 18%, p=0.03).
Operative time was longer for the Humby knife group (28.5 ? 4.1 vs. 18.2 ? 3.8 minutes, p<0.001).
Conclusion :
The Humby knife offers superior graft survival and cosmetic outcomes despite longer operative time, supporting its use in critical reconstructive cases.