EVALUATION OF ABSORBABLE AND NON-ABSORBABLE SUTURES IN A COHORT STUDY

OBJECTIVE: The study evaluated aesthetic and functional outcomes of wound closure using either absorbable or non-absorbable sutures. METHODS: In this analytical type of epidemiological study a cohort of 64 patients who had undergone hand and wrist surgery followed by wound closure with absorbable (36) and non-absorbable (28) sutures were observed over a period of time. Follow up of the patients was done after 2 weeks, one and a half month and final evaluation after 3 months. They were assessed using a linear visual analogue scale (VAS), a validated 6-point patient scar assessment tool and Disabilities of the Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) symptom scale. Data analysis was done using a non-parametric Mann-Whitney U-test and results were analyzed using SPSS 16 software. RESULTS: Almost non-significant results were obtained between the two groups in terms of VAS, patient scar assessment tool and quick DASH except the symptom of pain which was comparatively low in absorbable group. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed no difference between both the groups in terms of aesthetics. Hence any of this material can be used.