Functional soft tissue regeneration involving extremity tendons using ovine forestomach matrix grafts

Soft tissue defects with exposed tendons present unique challenges in surgical reconstruction, as tendons are vulnerable to desiccation, infection, and necrosis. We present a single-center, retrospective case series of 10 patients with exposed tendons who underwent surgical reconstruction with ovine forestomach matrix (OFM) grafts. Medical records were reviewed to establish patient demographics, co-morbidities, injury characteristics, and post-operative outcomes. OFM grafts were applied for staged reconstruction, for closure via secondary intention, as implants with primary closure or fasciocutaneous flaps, and as a circumferential tendon-protective layer. The median time to granulation tissue coverage was 3 weeks (IQR: 2, 4), and to full epithelialization 4 weeks (IQR: 1, 6). The median follow-up period was 29 weeks (IQR: 6, 61). Long-term assessments evaluated tissue pliability and active range of motion. Overall, OFM provided good surgical utility, promoting rapid coverage, wound closure, and favorable functional outcomes in complex tendon exposure cases.