title: Skin closure after arthroscopy utilizing a pull-out bow-tie subcuticular suture.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  suturing techniques employed to close subcuticular surgical incisions are varied.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  we present the "bow-tie" stitch, which is removed by pulling one side of the stitch with no need for sharp object stitch cutting. The stitch results in good approximation and scarring while enabling proper oozing.
  
  
  METHODS
  we have used this suture repeatedly for wound closure after hip and knee arthroscopy; its application to other superficial skin closures is easily appreciated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  this method of skin closure allows for ease of tying for the surgeon, aesthetically pleasing results for the patient, pain-free suture removal, no risk of suture knots becoming embedded in healing tissue, and decreased risk of infection and damage to skin, as instruments are not required for suture removal.
authors.affiliation: Sports Medicine and Hip Preservation Service, Department of Orthopedics University of Colorado, USA.
authors.forename: Lori Ann
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Nacius
authors.affiliation: Sports Medicine and Hip Preservation Service, Department of Orthopedics University of Colorado, USA.
authors.forename: Cecilia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pascual-Garrido
authors.affiliation: Sports Medicine and Hip Preservation Service, Department of Orthopedics University of Colorado, USA.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Sagiv
authors.affiliation: Sports Medicine and Hip Preservation Service, Department of Orthopedics University of Colorado, USA.
authors.forename: Omer
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Mei-Dan
keywords: arthroscopic; portals; stich