Use of Matriderm® in diabetic foot: case report

In April 2023, a 70-year-old man admitted to San Jacopo Hospital in Pistoia for foot pain. The right foot showed a necrotic interdigital lesion between the first and second toes and an ulcer with necrotic eschar on the heel. A microbiological swab was performed and empirical antibiotic-therapy was started. On x-ray no signs of osteomyelitis. Color Doppler ultrasound of the lower limbs documented occlusion of anterior tibial artery (ATA). The patient underwent percutaneous angioplasty on the right ATA two days later. Subsequently he underwent amputation of the first and second ray on the right and ulcerectomy of the ipsilateral heel. Negative pressure therapy has also been started (VAC therapy). At subsequent evaluations, an improvement in the heel lesion was observed, while the first ray of the foot showed dehiscence of the surgical wound with the presence of perilesional cyanosis for this reason VAC therapy was suspended. Furthermore, fever appeared with blood cultures positive for E. coli and therapy with amikacin was started. Given clinical worsening, trans-metatarsal amputation was performed right in May 2023. Already at post-operative evaluation there was evidence of distress at the wound margins and subsequent evolution into dehiscence. A new positive swab was performed and antibiotic-therapy was started. The color Doppler ultrasound showed no indications for revascularization. The oximetry performed on the dorsum of the foot showed values equal to 61.5 mmHg. Surgical revision of the wound was performed in July and VAC therapy was done for a mouth. At the end of VAC therapy the lesion showed granulation buttons but was still large (7×3 cm). To speed up healing times, in September, following a negative microbiological swab, Matriderm® was grafted in addiction of usual care of our unit. Matriderm® is a single‐use three‐dimensional matrix composed of native, structurally intact collagen fibrils and elastin for supporting dermal regeneration. At subsequent evaluations, the ulcer gradually reduced in size but a small area (0.5×0.5 cm) of tendon exposure remained. A new Matriderm® graft was performed in January 2024. At the last evaluation the lesion appeared superficial and in the process of healing. Our experience shows how the use of a Matriderm® can help to facilitate the healing and positive outcome of diabetic foot lesions that would otherwise take longer to heal.