Artificial Dermis Composite Tissue Flaps versus Traditional Prefabricated Flaps.

OBJECTIVE

We compared the application of artificial dermis composite tissue flaps and traditional prefabricated flaps in a rat model of exposed bone and tendon injury.

METHODS

Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups (n = 40 per group). Group A rats received artificial dermis composite tissue flaps and group B rats received traditional prefabricated flaps. Flap appearance, range of motion, degree of swelling, tissue histologic results, and imaging findings were compared between groups at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days.

RESULTS

There was no difference in flap appearance, range of motion, or degree of swelling between groups. However, blood perfusion of the artificial dermis composite tissue flap was better than that of the traditional prefabricated flap; the artificial dermis was also found to be thicker than the traditional prefabricated flap.

CONCLUSIONS

The artificial dermis composite tissue flap is an ideal method for repairing exposed bone and tendon, and it displays repair effects comparable with those of the traditional prefabricated flap and may be a better alternative.