Abstract
Carpal tunnel decompression is one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic operations. Last year 160 patients attended our department for surgery. There have been reports in the literature of good results and improved patient satisfaction for wound closure with Vicryl Rapide following Dupuytren's surgery.
We looked at 200 consecutive patients who underwent carpal tunnel decompression. Wounds were closed using either non-absorbable monofilament sutures (first 97 patients) or interrupted Vicryl Rapide (next 103 patients). We compared the incidence of wound problems in the early post operative period, scar sensitivity and the number of patients requiring a further outpatient appointment because of ongoing problems associated with these issues.
There was a higher incidence of early wound problems (p=0.0359) in patients whose wounds were closed with nylon. There was no difference in the rates of scar tenderness (p=1) or in the number of patients requiring further clinic appointments (p=0.356). There are also potential cost savings in using absorbable sutures as they require fewer sundry items at the dressings clinic.
In conclusion there were fewer problems associated with wound closure with interrupted Vicryl Rapide sutures than with nylon in patients undergoing carpal tunnel decompression.
