title: Prospective randomized trial comparing absorbable and non-absorbable sutures in open carpal tunnel release.
abstract: A prospective randomized trial was undertaken to compare the influence of absorbable and non-absorbable sutures on pillar pain, scar tenderness, extent of wound inflammation and overall outcome of the surgery following open carpal tunnel release. Forty hands in 33 patients (mean age, 51 years; range, 31-74 years) were randomized into group A (absorbable sutures) or group B (non-absorbable sutures). Clinical assessment was done at 2, 6 and 12 weeks follow-up. The outcome of surgery in terms of improvement of severity of symptoms and functional status of patients was assessed using a self-administered Boston Questionnaire. There was no significant difference between the two groups for any of our outcome measures at the final follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Orthopaedics and Trauma Department, Scunthorpe General Hospital, Cliff Gardens, Scunthorpe, DN15 7BH, North Lincolnshire, UK. nkharwadkar@hotmail.com
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Kharwadkar
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Naique
authors.forename: P J A
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Molitor
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002349:Carpal Tunnel Syndrome / Q000601:surgery*; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013537:Sutures / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing