(CS-148) Repair of Facial Wound Utilizing Cryopreserved Human Birth Tissue Allograft

Co-Author(s):

Kyle Davis, MD; Larry Hartzell, MD

Introduction: In the United States, craniofacial injuries are the most frequently observed traumas in the pediatric population, with the majority being limited to soft tissue damage. Human birth tissue products including umbilical cord (UC) and amniotic membrane (AM) contain growth factors, cytokines, and signaling molecules that can be potentially harnessed for tissue regeneration and wound healing. We present a case where a cryopreserved human UC allograft wound dressing was used in a patient with significant facial soft tissue loss due to a dog bite.

Methods: This is a single case report of a patient who presented to an academic tertiary pediatric hospital. After obtaining IRB exemption, operative and post-operative clinic notes were reviewed. Images were obtained with consent from the patient and parents.

Results: A 10-year-old female presented to the emergency department after suffering from a dog bite to her left cheek and upper lip, resulting in significant tissue loss. The severity of the wound prevented the possibility of complete primary closure and a cryopreserved UC allograft was used to cover the area of tissue loss upon surgical reconstruction. At one-week follow up, the patient’s wound was healing well with the allograft still in place. Three-week follow up indicated that the central portion of the wound with missing tissue was healing well with some contraction and thickened subcutaneous scarring. At four-month follow up the wound was continuing to heal well but causing some retraction of the lateral lip due to the wound location. The patient then underwent scar revision surgery, including wedge lip resection, 1 year after the dog bite.

Discussion: Complex wounds, such as facial dog bites, require healthcare providers to identify treatments that can not only provide wound closure, but result in optimal reconstructive outcomes. This case highlights that human birth tissue is potentially a great source to promote regenerative healing for tissue reconstruction in the acute trauma setting.

Trademarked Items:

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