Background
Matriderm is a single-layer dermal substitute composed of bovine collagen and elastin hydrolysate (1). One of the main advantages of Matriderm is the immediate ability to apply split thickness skin graft as a single staged procedure and the theoretical advantage of less contracture given the elastin component. However, there is still uncertainty regarding indications for Matriderm use. We wanted to look at Middlemore Hospital’s experience with use of Matriderm and determine which clinical scenarios are appropriate for its application.
Method
A retrospective study was carried out looking at all patients who obtained a soft tissue reconstruction with Matriderm since its introduction at Middlemore Hospital in December 2017. This included 22 patients over a seven-year period.
Results
Matriderm was used for secondary burn reconstruction (48%), donor site reconstruction post flap harvest (19%), post malignancy reconstruction (14%), traumatic wound reconstruction (10%) and defects secondary to infection (10%). Most cases were done as single stage procedure (62%). Thickness of Matriderm used was 1mm in 75% and 2mm in 19%.
Conclusion
Matriderm seems to be used mainly for secondary burn reconstruction at Middlemore Hospital but there was a wide range of indications for its use. The advantages has been the ability to use it as a single stage procedure and easy contouring of dermal substitute. Also, Matriderm was applied to a small number of non-vascularised wound beds and found to successfully integrate in these patients. Although a larger prospective study will be required to assess this in further detail, this gives an idea as to where the Matriderm fits in the reconstructive ladder.
1) Dickson, K., Lee, K. C., et al (2023). A Histological and Clinical Study of MatriDerm® Use in Burn Reconstruction. Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association, 44(5), 1100–1109. https://doi.org/10.1093/jbcr/irad024