Can we save a follow up appointment by leaving nylon sutures under plaster for 6 weeks

Abstract

Randeep Aujla, Abhinav Gulihar, Andrew Chandraraj, Graham TaylorOrthopaedic Department, Glenfield Hospital, Groby Road, Leicester, EnglandBackground: The purpose of this study was to highlight the potential resource saving method of leaving nylon sutures under plaster for 6 weeks after forefoot surgery. Methods: We gathered patient data from 72 cases of forefoot surgery over a 5-year period and analyzed the complications encountered. Only patients who required at least 6 weeks of plaster were included.Results: There were two cases of wound infection and one of flap necrosis. The infection rates are comparable to previous studies into forefoot surgery infection rates. There was no difficulty in removing the sutures and scarring was not noted to be a problem.Conclusions: Financial, convenience and time benefits could be obtained if this technique was in common practice.Keywords: elective forefoot surgery, wound infections, wound complications, nylon sutures