Skin stapler versus nylon suture in elective foot and ankle surgeries: A comparative outcome analysis

Abstract

Background: Using skin staples or nylon sutures is the most typical orthopaedic surgery wound closure technique. With varying degrees of success, several studies have looked at the effectiveness and consequences of skin staples and sutures. This study compared the results of skin staples and nylon sutures in elective foot and ankle procedures for which there is a dearth of prior research. Methods: All operated elective foot and ankle cases from July 2020 to June 2022 were reviewed from the Hospital database and Documented files in the Medical Record Section. Patient demographics, surgical site, method of closure, incision length, closure time, closure rate, VAS score, wound cosmesis as measured by the Hollander wound evaluation score, AOFAS score, complications, and necessity for revision surgery were all gathered and assessed. Results: 32 cases from the suture group and 24 cases from the stapler group were included out of the 56 patients. When a stapler is used, wound closure proceeds substantially more quickly than when sutures are used (p < 0.001). At the final follow-up, there was no significant difference between the two groups' VAS score, Hollander wound cosmesis score, or AOFAS score. On the other hand, the Stapler group had considerably greater rates of wound dehiscence (P = 0.04) and the need for debridement (P = 0.09), with 16.66 % versus 3.12 % (staples vs. suture) (P = 0.04). Conclusion: Shorter recovery times following surgery are one advantage of skin staples versus sutures. However, there are noticeably more wound problems in the staple group. For elective foot and ankle procedures, we advise utilising sutures due to the increased risk of wound complications. Level of evidence: III.

Keywords

• Foot and ankle surgery
• Wound closure
• Nylon
• Skin stapler
• Wound dehiscence