Muscle Tendon Tissue Unit (MTURR) Repair and Reinforcement Reconstructive Surgery Research Study
Upper and Lower Extremity Injuries in Soldiers
The massive loss of muscle and tendon tissue (natural fibrous structures within an extremity that provide support to surrounding structures) as a result of a traumatic injury can lead to persistent impairment of function to the extremity, potentially leading to permanent damage and/ or death.
This event presents a constant challenge with the reconstructive repair and reinforcement of the affected extremity for medical/surgical personnel. Deformity and loss of limb injuries can impact a soldier’s ability to integrate back into society, and can affect both personal relationships and employment opportunities.
While current medical procedures can do a lot to reconstruct these injuries, physicians consistently strive to find better ways to accurately restore muscle and tendon tissue features.
What is a MTURR surgery?
This is a surgical procedure where a small device (extracellular matrix or ECM) is implanted (placed) to the injured area. ECM provides a structural framework to strengthen and reinforce the surgical repair of muscle tendons and support to the growth of new tissue and blood vessels to the injured area. This matrix is made from pig or cow tissue composed mostly of collagen, a naturally occurring protein in our body. This ECM substance has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as ‘implantable device’.
Procedure Provided as Part of a Research Study
In this clinical trial funded by the Department of Defense. All procedures for this research study will be performed at UPMC facilities.
Eligibility Criteria
Men and women, military or civilian, age 18 to 60 years of age may be eligible. Research candidates, who have suffered upper or lower extremity trauma, and are at least 3 months since the initial injury will be evaluated. Prior surgery of the affected extremity does not prevent participation in this study.