Special segment: soft tissue matrices--one form of acellular human dermis for use in tendon and ligament repairs in the foot and ankle.

Trauma to tendons and ligaments represents a significant part of orthopaedic and podiatric injuries. To improve the outcome of repair, complex or chronic injuries may require reinforcement of the primary repair with a graft. Biologic grafts currently available provide different handling, strength, and biological responses. One of the currently available grafts, an acellular human dermal membrane with specific properties, has been successfully used in the augmentation of tendon and ligament repairs for more than 6 years.