Functional soft tissue regeneration involving extremity tendons using ovine forestomach matrix grafts

TL;DR

This study shows that ovine forestomach matrix grafts can effectively regenerate soft tissue around exposed tendons, leading to good healing and functional outcomes.

Contribution

The study demonstrates the novel use of ovine forestomach matrix grafts for tendon protection and soft tissue regeneration in complex surgical cases.

Findings

OFM grafts promoted granulation tissue coverage within 3 weeks and full epithelialization within 4 weeks.

Patients showed favorable functional outcomes with improved tissue pliability and active range of motion.

OFM grafts were versatile in application and provided good surgical utility in complex tendon exposure cases.

Abstract

Soft tissue defects with exposed tendons present unique challenges in surgical reconstruction, as tendons are vulnerable to desiccation, infection, and necrosis. We present a single-center, retrospective case series of 10 patients with exposed tendons who underwent surgical reconstruction with ovine forestomach matrix (OFM) grafts. Medical records were reviewed to establish patient demographics, co-morbidities, injury characteristics, and post-operative outcomes. OFM grafts were applied for staged reconstruction, for closure via secondary intention, as implants with primary closure or fasciocutaneous flaps, and as a circumferential tendon-protective layer. The median time to granulation tissue coverage was 3 weeks (IQR: 2, 4), and to full epithelialization 4 weeks (IQR: 1, 6). The median follow-up period was 29 weeks (IQR: 6, 61). Long-term assessments evaluated tissue pliability and active range of motion. Overall, OFM provided good surgical utility, promoting rapid coverage, wound closure, and favorable functional outcomes in complex tendon exposure cases.

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