Reconstruction of Deep Partial-Thickness Burns With Ovine Forestomach Matrix: Results From a Prospective Observational Study

TL;DR

A new biologically derived graft from ovine forestomach matrix helps heal deep burns quickly with minimal pain and good cosmetic results.

Contribution

The study introduces and evaluates a novel biologically derived graft for deep partial-thickness burns.

Findings

The median time to healing was 16 days with no infections observed.

Patients reported low pain scores and high satisfaction with scar appearance.

Most treatment areas showed normal pigmentation and good pliability.

Abstract

Maximizing the critical goals of burn care (efficient healing, pain control, good cosmesis, and patient satisfaction) can reduce hospital burden and enhance patient outcomes. Use of a biologically derived graft in burn management may support these goals by limiting inflammation and infection and improving tissue remodeling; however, rigorous clinical evaluation of these materials is currently limited. This prospective observational study evaluated the safety and performance of a biologically derived graft composed of ovine forestomach matrix (OFM) in promoting the critical goals of burn care in deep partial-thickness burns. Outcome measures included postoperative complications, time to healing, postoperative pain, and a patient and observer scar assessment. The study enrolled 49 burns with a median size of 129 cm2 that were treated with a single application of OFM. The median time to healing was 16 days, and the median follow-up period was 164 days. There were no infections observed. The median patient pain score was 3 out of 10 on postoperative day 6, and patient scar satisfaction was 5 out of 5 at long-term follow-up. The majority of treatment areas were scored as having normal pigmentation (n=20; 45.5%), supple pliability (n=37; 84.1%), and flat height (n=33; 75.0%). This prospective observational study suggests that the OFM may support rapid burn healing with minimal pain, good cosmesis, and high patient satisfaction.

Figures