Does Use of DermACELL AWM Acellular Dermal Matrix Decrease the Need for Skin Grafting and Time Required for Granulation

Wounds associated with trauma and fractures can be challenging to treat. Care of these wounds frequently requires multiple trips to the operating room and the need for soft tissue coverage. Traditional methods of soft tissue coverage including rotational flaps, free flaps and skin grafting are associated with significant donor site morbidity that can be detrimental in both functional and cosmetic ways. DermACELL AWG is an allograft acellular dermal matrix that has shown promise in the treatment of chronic wounds, with reported faster healing, granulation and reepithelization rates. DermACELL AWG potentially would allow for simplified treatment of wounds without the need for complicated and costly dressings including negative pressure wound vac therapy. Orthopaedic trauma patients stand to benefit tremendously from this technique as it could potentially decrease the need for secondary procedures, donor site morbidity, and coordination of care.