Using a biodegradable temporizing matrix (BTM) can lead to low infection rates in complex wounds, changing how surgeons approach non-graftable cases.

• Only 14% of patients in a diverse cohort of 22 experienced clinical infection after BTM application.
• Microbial growth was found in 76% of pre-BTM swabs, but this did not correlate with infection rates post-application.
• Salvage methods were effective, with 66% of infected patients successfully retaining BTM.

Surgeons can confidently use BTM, knowing most patients will achieve complete wound healing despite initial microbial concerns.