The use of a dermal regeneration template following excision of a giant melanocytic nevus in a potential army recruit

Abstract

We report the case of a 17-year-old boy who was precluded from entering basic military training because of the presence of a giant hairy melanocytic nevus that covered his back. He subsequently underwent total excision of the lesion followed by application of a dermal regeneration matrix, Integra, and split-thickness skin grafting. Ten months following the procedure, his wounds had healed and the reconstructed skin was considered durable enough to withstand the rigors of military training. He has since been allowed to reapply for recruit training. This case illustrates the utility of a dermal regeneration template in the military patient, where both strong biomechanical properties as well as skin coverage are required to help meet the demands of military training. Copyright © by Association of Military Surgeons of U.S., 2008.