We compared the postoperative wound discharge rates and 3 months clinical results of three types of wound closure and dressing – 2-octylcyanoacrylate with Opstie (G+O), 2-octylcyanoacrylate with Tegaderm (G+T), and Opsite without 2-octylcyanoacrylate (O) in patients having primary total hip arthroplasty.

We randomised 141 patients scheduled for primary total hip arthroplasty into 3 arms of this study- G+O, G+T, or O. The extent of wound discharge was recorded on a diagrammatic representation of the dressing in situ on paper and graded each day. Dressings were left in-situ provided the extent of wound discharge allowed for this. The patient was clinically reviewed at 3 months to assess their scar length, cosmesis, scar discomfort, and evidence of superficial or deep wound sepsis.

A greater number of patients dressings remained dry on day 1 postoperatively in the two groups with 2-octylcyanoacrylate compared to the no glue group p=0.001. G+T group had a significantly lower proportion of patients with increased leakage of wounds on 2^nd postoperative day p=0.044. At 3 months review, there was no statistical difference in the Hollander score or scar discomfort.

In patients who have had primary total hip arthroplasty, usage of 2-octylcyanoacrylate for wound closure along with Tegaderm dressing reduces wound discharge. The same effect is not noted in glue with Opsite group. Whilst dressing changes required in the non-glue group compared from the two glue groups did not reach statistical significance, this may have clinical relevance for patients and nursing staff. No effect on postoperative length of stay, or wound complications was noted.