Sutures versus staples for wound closure in orthopaedic surgery: a pilot randomized controlled trial

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dc.contributor.authorSlade Shantz, Jesse A
dc.contributor.authorVernon, James
dc.contributor.authorMorshed, Saam
dc.contributor.authorLeiter, Jeff
dc.contributor.authorStranges, Gregory
dc.date.accessioned2013-03-07T00:08:34Z
dc.date.available2013-03-07T00:08:34Z
dc.date.issued2013-02-09
dc.date.updated2013-03-07T00:08:34Z
dc.description.abstractAbstract Background In the spectrum of surgical decision-making, wound closure material is often an afterthought. However, the findings of a recent meta-analysis suggest that the rate of surgical site infections (SSIs) is increased by using staples to close surgical wounds. Less clear is the effect of closure material on the incidence of non-infectious wound complications. The aim of this study was to compare sutures and staples in terms of: incidence of wound complications to determine the sample size for a definitive trial comparing wound closure methods. Methods Eligible adult orthopaedic patients were randomized to have wounds closed with sutures or staples. Time for skin closure was recorded. Wounds were assessed for complications for six weeks. The incidence of complications was compared using Fisher’s exact test. Time to close and pain with removal of closure material were compared using a Student’s t-test. Results The total number of patients reporting a wound complication was 59 of 148 patients completing six-week followup (41%), with no differennce between sutures and staples (RR = 0.77, CI = 0.52–1.14). The time to close wounds was shorter in the staple group (mean=4.8 min, CI = 2.6–7.1) than the suture group (mean=12 min, CI = 7.9–16). Patients in the staple group (mean=3.7, CI =2.8–4.6) reported more pain with removal than suture group (mean=2.5, CI =1.6–3.4). Conclusions This study suggests that 42% of patients report a wound complication with no difference between sutures and staples. It was demonstrated that suturing skin requires more time and staples are more painful to remove. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT01146236 (registered June 14, 2010)
dc.description.versionPeer Reviewed
dc.identifier.citationPatient Safety in Surgery. 2013 Feb 09;7(1):6
dc.identifier.doihttp://dx.doi.org/10.1186/1754-9493-7-6
dc.identifier.urihttp://hdl.handle.net/1993/17374
dc.language.rfc3066en
dc.rightsopen accessen_US
dc.rights.holderJesse A Slade Shantz et al.; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.
dc.titleSutures versus staples for wound closure in orthopaedic surgery: a pilot randomized controlled trial
dc.typeJournal Article
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