Acellular dermal matrix combined with negative pressure wound therapy in a chemical burn: Case report

Chemical burns rank among the most hazardous and severe types of burns due to their potential to inflict considerable tissue damage, resulting in pain, inflammation, necrosis, and scarring. This report details a case of burn injury that necessitated the reconstruction of a defect in the hallux. The reconstruction was performed using an Acellular Dermal Matrix (MatriDerm® MedSkin Solution by Dr. Suwelack AG, Billerbeck, Germany). This intervention became necessary after the patient was erroneously administered Nitric Acid intramuscularly at a different institution. The patient presented with a third degree burn that compromised the medial aspect of the hallux's skin, the distal phalanx and nail bed. Early debridement was performed, and Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT VAC, 3 M, US) was used to preserve and promote tissue viability. Eight days later, the patient was taken to the OR, and Acellular Dermal Matrix and split-thickness skin graft were used to reconstruct her right hallux's defect. The patient achieved adequate clinical evolution and was discharged with complete reconstruction of the burned area. Acellular Dermal Matrix proved to be an important and viable option for reconstructive surgery after a chemical burn, and further studies are warranted to ensure its routine usage in this kind of lesions.