Utilization of an Acellular Fish Skin Graft for Promotion of Wound Healing in Diabetic Foot Ulcerations: A Case Study

Introduction: The benefits of utilizing xenografts for the management of chronic wounds has been studied in recent years as a developing alternative to allografts and autografts. This retrospective case study details the wound healing process of a diabetic foot ulceration on the plantar-lateral aspect of the foot utilizing an acellular fish skin graft.

Methods: An acellular fish skin graft was utilized with excisional and enzymatic debridement for a duration of 9 weeks for treatment of a chronic diabetic foot wound. The patient was seen on a weekly basis. Measurements were recorded and debridement was performed along with graft application.

Results: With initial application of the acellular fish skin graft, the wound size was reduced by 35%. After 9 weeks of weekly serial debridements and xenograft applications, the wound fully resolved with 100% epithelialization.

Discussion: Chronic wounds are difficult to treat due to their underlying pathophysiological nature. If left untreated, chronic wounds can worsen and ultimately cause significant tissue loss. Xenografts, such as this acellular fish skin graft, contain omega-3 fatty acids, elastin, fibronectin, and other growth factors, making these grafts ideal for the wound healing process. Following 9 consecutive weeks of graft application, 100 percent epithelialization of the diabetic foot ulceration was achieved.

This indicates that application of acellular fish skin grafts are a promising treatment regimen for promotion of wound healing in the diabetic foot.