This study will investigate whether adding a vessel loop under sutures after elective carpal tunnel release increases patient satisfaction with suture removal.
Surgical wound closure with nonabsorbable stitches necessitates subsequent suture removal, a process that can be uncomfortable for the patient and consume clinic time and resources. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the addition of a vessel loop under the sutures both simplifies suture removal and reduces discomfort. In this study, we propose a prospective, randomized, controlled, superiority trial to assess the impact of a vessel loop wound closure and suture removal for elective carpal tunnel release (CTR). Patients will be prospectively enrolled to one of two groups: closure without a vessel loop or closure with a vessel loop. The primary outcome measure will be patient satisfaction with suture removal. Time for wound closure, time for suture removal, pain with suture removal and other patient reported outcomes will be measured. These data will allow us to determine the benefit of addition of a vessel loop in wound closure.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
47
The intervention will be a vessel loop placed below sutures to raise the sutures from the skin of the palm.
Carilion Institute for Orthopaedics & Neurosciences
Roanoke, Virginia, United States
Patient satisfaction with suture removal
This will be measured on a 100mm visual analog scale.
Time frame: First postoperative visit (1-2 weeks)
Pain with suture removal
This will be measured on a 100mm visual analog scale.
Time frame: First postoperative visit (1-2 weeks).
Time to close the surgical wound
The time that it takes the provider to close the wound intraoperatively.
Time frame: Intraoperatively (0 days)
Time to remove suture
The time that it takes the provider to remove sutures postoperatively.
Time frame: First postoperative visit (1-2 weeks).
Wound complications
Any wound complications will be noted from the clinical record.
Time frame: 6 weeks postoperatively
QuickDASH
A validate instrument assessing disability of the arm, shoulder, and hand.
Time frame: 6 weeks postoperatively.
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