Management of Ankle Fracture Wounds Using Urinary Bladder Matrix: A Case Report

Ankle fractures, often accompanied by other injuries and complications, pose a significant healthcare burden due to their high incidence and associated treatment challenges. This case report investigates the use of Cytal™ Wound Matrix, derived from urinary bladder matrix (UBM), in managing postoperative complications following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of a trimalleolar ankle fracture. A 57-year-old male with a history of hypertension sustained a trimalleolar ankle fracture following a road traffic accident. Surgical intervention (ORIF) was performed after swelling subsided. Three weeks post-surgery, the patient developed wound-edge necrosis and superficial infection, identified as methicillin-sensitive <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> (MSSA). The wound was debrided, and Cytal™ Wound Matrix was applied. The patient received intravenous cefazolin, followed by oral Augmentin after two weeks. The application of UBM over the wound showed significant improvement, with tissue remodeling observed within two weeks. The infection was successfully controlled with targeted antibiotics, and no additional plastic surgery interventions were required. This case highlights the efficacy of UBM in promoting wound healing, controlling infection, and preventing further invasive procedures, suggesting its potential as a valuable adjunct in managing complex orthopedic wounds. Further research with larger cohorts is necessary to fully evaluate UBM's clinical effectiveness and cost-benefit profile.