The Role of Dermal Matrices in Treating Inflammatory and Diabetic Wounds.

BACKGROUND: Dermal matrices are used to improve healing in both acute and chronic wounds including diabetic and lower extremity wounds, burns, trauma, and surgical reconstruction. The use of dermal matrices for the closure of inflammatory ulcerations is less frequent but growing. Currently available products include decellularized dermis and semisynthetic matrices.

METHODS: A review of the published literature was performed to identify reports that use acellular dermal matrices in diabetic and inflammatory wounds. Studies were evaluated for quality and outcomes, and a level of evidence was assigned according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons' Rating Levels of Evidence. Case studies from the authors' experience are also presented.

RESULTS: Seventeen primary studies evaluating the use of dermal matrices in diabetic ulcers were identified with 2 based on level I data. There are no prospective clinical trial reports of their use in atypical or inflammatory wounds, but there are several case studies.

CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of diabetic and inflammatory wounds may include both medical and surgical modalities. The use of dermal matrices can be a useful adjunct, but their optimal use will require future clinical studies.