2026 Clinician Corner - Biodegradable temporizing matrix in small-scale reconstruction of malignant resections in functional areas

Abstract 

Biodegradable temporizing matrices (BTMs) are temporary, biocompatible, and resorbable scaffolds designed to temporarily occupy a defect site, facilitating tissue regeneration and neodermal growth in a surgical wound or defect site while minimizing the need for extensive tissue transfers. Spiradenomas are mostly benign skin tumors developing from sweat gland cells that typically require surgical excision as treatment, which can result in scarring and functional impairment, especially in functional joint areas like the ankle. While the application of BTMs in small- to moderate-sized defects resulting from malignant resections in functionally critical areas has shown promising results in preliminary studies, the use of BTM for functional reconstruction is an emerging concept that needs to be further studied. This case report presents the successful application of a BTM in the reconstruction of a soft tissue defect following wide local excision of a spiradenoma on the right ankle of a 64-year-old man, demonstrating the value of these matrices as an essential reconstructive tool in the management of soft tissue defects following malignant resections.

Keywords:  Ankle joint mobility; biodegradable temporizing matrix; spiradenoma excision; split-thickness skin graft; wound reconstruction

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Faculty credentials/disclosure 

The planners and faculty for this activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. The patient consented to the publication of this report.

Process

Click the "add to cart/begin" button, pay any relevant fee, take the quiz, complete the evaluation, and claim your CME credit.  You must achieve 100% on the quiz with unlimited attempts available.

  • By completing this process, you are attesting that you have read the journal article.

Expiration date:

Credit eligibility for this article is set to expire on May 1, 2027.

Learning Objectives

After completing the article, the learner should be able to:

  • Describe the role of biodegradable temporizing matrix (BTM) in reconstructing small tissue defects following malignant or potentially malignant resections in functionally critical areas. 

  • Explain the staged healing approach of BTM, including integration, delamination, and subsequent split-thickness skin grafting. 

  • Evaluate the advantages of BTM over traditional reconstructive techniques, particularly in preserving joint mobility and minimizing donor site morbidity. 

Key Points 

  • Biodegradable temporizing matrix (BTM) enabled successful reconstruction over an ankle joint by preserving tendon movement and full range of motion, critical for mobility in high-function areas. 

  • BTM served as a scaffold after excision, allowing for safe and gradual wound bed preparation before final skin grafting, minimizing risk and improving aesthetic outcomes. 

  • Use of BTM reduced the need for complex flap procedures, limiting donor site trauma while achieving effective coverage and integration.

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Course summary
Available credit: 
  • 1.00 American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) MOC Part 2
    Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 1.00 MOC points in the American Board of Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.
  • 1.00 American Board of Surgery (ABS) Accredited CME
    Successful completion of this CME activity enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME requirement of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The A. Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • 1.00 Attendance
Course opens: 
05/01/2026
Course expires: 
05/01/2027
Cost:
$25.00

Namratha Mohan, MBA1, Alan Pang, MD2, and John A. Griswold, MD2 

 

1 School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA  

2 Department of Surgery, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA  

 

Corresponding author: Namratha Mohan, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th St., Lubbock, TX 79430 (e-mail: [email protected])  

The planners and faculty for this activity have no relevant financial relationships to disclose. The authors report no funding. The patient consented to publication of this case report. 

Accreditation

The A. Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Designation

AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™

The A. Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health designates this Journal-based CME activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

ABS CC

Successful completion of this CME activity enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME requirement of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.

ABIM MOC

 Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 1.0 MOC points in the American Board of Internal Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.

Available Credit

  • 1.00 American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM) MOC Part 2
    Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the participant to earn up to 1.00 MOC points in the American Board of Medicine’s (ABIM) Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program. It is the CME activity provider’s responsibility to submit participant completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABIM MOC credit.
  • 1.00 American Board of Surgery (ABS) Accredited CME
    Successful completion of this CME activity enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME requirement of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.
  • 1.00 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™
    The A. Webb Roberts Center for Continuing Medical Education of Baylor Scott & White Health is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.
  • 1.00 Attendance

Price

Cost:
$25.00
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