Surgery 2026

Introduction

Diabetic ulcers are an increasingly prevalent and complication of diabetes, associated with an increased risk of major lower limb amputation and death. Evidence supporting the use of synthetic skin-grafting such as NovoSorb® Biodegradable Temporising Matrix (BTM) in diabetic lower-limb wounds remains limited. This case-series presents our initial outcomes following Novosorb BTM application for diabetic wounds within a UK vascular surgery service.

Methods

A single centre prospective database of all wounds treated with NovoSorb® Biodegradable Temporising Matrix (BTM) under the vascular surgery service has been established and maintained since June 2025. Time from BTM application to complete epithelialisation of the wound was reported as the primary outcome measure. The proportion of foot ulcer patients alive and ulcer free at 12 weeks was also reported in line with the National Diabetes Foot Care Audit reporting standards.

Results

A total of 14 diabetic lower limb wounds in 13 patients were treated with BTM application during the data collection period; eight foot ulcers, four amputation stump ulcers and two leg ulcers. Satisfactory healing was achieved in 11 of 13 evaluable cases (85%), with a median time to healing of 58 days (IQR 31; range 36–333). At 12 weeks, five of eight diabetic foot ulcers (62.5%) had achieved confirmed healing.

Conclusion

This prospective observational case series demonstrates encouraging outcomes following the use of NovoSorb® BTM in the management of diabetic lower-limb wounds. Despite a cohort characterised by advanced limb threat, with 79% of wounds classified as WiFI clinical stage 4, and high burden of other comorbidities, 85% of wounds treated with NovoSorb® BTM achieved satisfactory healing. In addition, patients with diabetic foot ulcers alive and ulcer free at twelve weeks after treatment with NovoSorb® BTM exceeded that reported in the 2024-25 National Diabetes Foot Care Audit (62.5% vs 42.7%)1. These findings suggest that BTM could represent a valuable reconstructive option to be considered within multidisciplinary diabetic foot services.

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