Efficacy of Collagen and Elastin matrix in treatment of complex lower extremity wounds.
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Successful engraftment of skin grafts highly depends on the quality of the wound bed. A
good quality of blood vessels near the surface is critical to support the viability of the graft.
Ischemic, irradiated scar tissue, bone and tendons will not have the sufficient blood
supply. In such situation flap s are to be resorted to. However, the flaps also need to have good vascularity over the limbs. The introduction of dermal substitutes has provided a novel method for repairing various serious skin defects. These substitutes act as dermal regenerative templates, which facilitate dermal reconstruction and regeneration. In this study is done to ascertain the effectiveness of these substitutes in treatment of complex wounds .
Methodology
Between January 2022 to June 2023, 20 patients who had complex wounds which could not be treated with simple skin grafting and who are treated with collagen and elastin matrix and SSG will be retrospectively studied. The percentage of SSG take as per the records will be noted at 10 days post op period. Patient characteristics, comorbidities, duration of treatment and outcomes of treatment will be noted.
Results
20 patients were included in the study. Minimum size of the ulcer was 5 x 4 cm (20 cms2) and maximum size of the ulcer was 15 x 15 CMS (225 cms2). Average take of skin graft was 93.7% at 10th post op day. Recurrence at 6 months was nil. The scar quality assessed by patient and observer at 3 months and 6 months post op.
Conclusion
The lower-limb ulcers with compromised surrounding tissue are complex. Major goal in these cases is to do simple surgery and prevent recurrence. The collagen and elastin matrices provide structural support for cellular infiltration which helps maximize SSG take and stable long-term scar.
