The aim of this article is to provide a brief overview of necrotising fasciitis, including causative factors, incidence, diagnosis and clinical outcomes. Various surgical treatment options are outlined, including methods of soft tissue reconstruction after wide excision of infected and necrotic tissues. The role of dermal matrices, including a synthetic biodegradable temporising matrix made of polyurethane, are described in terms of wound bed preparation, surgical application and clinical outcomes.
Keywords: biodegradable temporising matrix; dermal template; medical device; necrotic tissue; necrotising fasciitis; polyurethane; skin defects; soft tissue infection; surgical reconstruction; wound; wound care; wound healing.