A "crush study" review of micrograft survival.

[BACKGROUND] Poor growth has been reported after densely packed megasessions. These reports have been fairly consistent. Despite these statements, excellent growth is seen in the majority of their cases. The author's have theorized that iatrogenic trauma from inappropriate graft handling is one etiology that substantially contributes to poor growth.

[OBJECTIVE] The purpose of this preliminary "crush study" is to: 1) ascertain if follicular trauma directly causes a decreased growth; and 2) consider contributing factors and ways to decrease the incidence of trauma.

[RESULTS] Initial observations indicate that follicles demonstrate excellent growth, but reduced yields have been noted with less skilled technicians. It appears that graft injury is easily induced with micrografts.

[CONCLUSIONS] Our findings demonstrate that trauma may increase in direct proportion to the removal of dermis and subcutaneous tissue.