Cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction compared between staples and subcuticular suture technique for wound closure after primary total knee arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

Optimal Method of Skin Wound Management for Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Skin closure for total knee arthroplasty (TKA) typically focuses on promoting optimal healing, while preventing wound complications and infection, allowing for functionality and immediate ambulation, and providing for excellent cosmesis. In this systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature, we will focus on closure of the skin. Specifically, we assessed: (1) wound complication risk of different techniques and (2) closing time of different sutures/techniques. There were 20 reports on infection risk and closing time. Meta-analyses focused on the qualifying studies for closing time and wound complication risk reports were also performed. These studies (378 patients) demonstrated overall lower wound complication risks with the use of barbed compared with traditional sutures (3% vs. 6%, p < 0.05). The subsequent meta-analysis included 749 patients demonstrating overall significant closing time reductions of a mean of 7 minutes with the use of barbed sutures (p < 0.05). Therefore, multiple recent reports suggest superior outcomes and faster results when using barbed sutures for TKA skin closure.

Effect of suture closure and staple closure on postoperative wound complications in patients undergoing knee replacement surgery: A meta-analysis

The purpose of this meta-analysis is to determine if the application of stitching in the closed area of the knee arthroplasty remains significantly superior to that of the staples. Data sources: EMBASE, Cochrane Libraryand, publications, and the Web of Science. Patients were treated with staples for closure of their wounds, or with conventional stitches for closure of wounds. The main findings were surgical site infection, wound dehiscence, and cutting time. The secondary results were the time to completion, the duration of the hospitalization, and the time to discharge. We incorporated the SIX trial into the meta-analyses with Review Manager V.5.3. The hazard ratio was computed as a therapeutic outcome with respect to the heterogeneity. For more than 50% of heterogeneous samples, we employed a stochastic effect model. The results showed that there was no significant difference in the degree of infection, the degree of dehiscence, the length of the cut and the degree of satisfaction of the wound. But the time to close the wound and the time to operate were significantly different. The time needed to close the wound was shorter than that of the suture (OR, -227. 22; 95% CI, -238. 74, -215. 69 p < 0. 0001); The time taken to replace the knee was also significantly lower among those who had been stapled sutures (OR, -5.46; 95% CI, -10. 43, -0.49 p = 0. 03). Wound closing materials are an afterthought for many orthopaedic surgeons. Together, the findings from a number of comparative studies indicate that the selection of wound closure materials might affect the outcome of the surgery. The evidence, however, is weak because of the heterogeneous approach adopted in earlier research. This study program is intended to provide guidance on how to select the best wound closure material for the purpose of identifying if there is any difference in the incidence of injuries among traditional stitches and staples.

Sternomastoid intermuscular approach has better postoperative cosmesis and less neck discomfort than linea alba cervicalis approach in hemithyroidectomy: a randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Surgery is still the most important treatment method for thyroid cancer. The classic linea alba cervicalis approach caused obvious neck scarring. This study explored an alternative open operative approach with concealed incision for hemithyroidectomy, and demonstrated whether it was non-inferior to traditional approach in postoperative complications and operation efficiency.

METHODS

Patients ( n =220) from November 2019 to November 2020 willing to undergo hemithyroidectomy because of differentiated thyroid cancer were randomly divided into the sternocleidomastoid intermuscular approach (SMIA) group ( n =110), and the linea alba cervicalis approach (LACA) group ( n =110). The incidence of postoperative complications within 3 months and operation efficiency indicator R0 resection rate were recorded as primary endpoint, while scar apperance was assessed as secondary endpoint. The data were statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The baseline data of these two groups were comparable, with no significant difference ( P >0.05). As primary endpoint, R0 resection rate was 100% in both groups. In the 1-month follow-up period, the SMIA group had a lower score for neck discomfort compared with that of the LACA group (1.01±0.1648 vs. 0.5657±0.0976, P =0.0217). The SMIA group's scar had better results from the observer scar assessment compared to that of the LACA group as secondary endpoint. Within the 3-month follow-up, the total complications were calculated, and it was demonstrated that SMIA was non-inferior to traditional LACA operation ( P of non-inferiority=0.0048).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared with LACA group, surgery through the SMIA is safe, effective, and has non-inferior postoperative complications. SMIA can be considered an alternative approach to classic LACA in hemithyroidectomy.

Water-Tight Arthrotomy Joint Closure of Modified Intervastus Approach in Total Knee Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The joint closure technique used for total knee arthroplasty cases can have an impact on outcomes, especially when considering accelerated rehabilitation programs that follow surgery. In this study, we describe the details of the technical steps involved in performing the water-tight arthrotomy joint closure technique that we developed and use.

METHODS

A total of 536 patients (average age: 62 years, average body mass index: 34 kg/m²) with primary osteoarthritis of the knee underwent total knee arthroplasty using the modified intervastus approach between 2019 and 2021. We used the water-tight arthrotomy joint closure technique to close the knee arthrotomy incision. Any infections and complications, as well as the duration of surgery and cost related to this wound closure technique, are also reported.

RESULTS

Few complications were noted with this closure technique. When we first started using it, there was one case of drainage through the proximal capsular repair which required a return to the operating room 5 days postoperatively for an irrigation and debridement. We also had two cases of superficial skin necrosis along a small part of the incision line which were observed on a weekly basis and which healed uneventfully with application of betadine once daily on the necrotic area. The average time for performing wound closure after total knee arthroplasty was 45 min.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that the water-tight closure approach can achieve very durable, water-tight capsule repairs and results in a decrease in postoperative wound drainage.

Staples versus sutures wound closure in hip and knee arthroplasty: a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to compare two methods of wound skin closure-staples versus vertical mattress nylon sutures-in patients undergoing primary total hip (THR) and total knee replacements (TKR). The comparison was for wound complications as a primary outcome, and satisfaction of patient and nurse as secondary outcomes.

METHOD

A prospective cohort study was conducted at an academic teaching hospital. All the patients who were admitted for either primary THR or TKR from September 2018 to September 2019 were included. Revision surgeries, patients >85 years of age, and those who were on steroid therapy were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups (staples and sutures) to compare the two methods of wound closure. Patients in each group were assessed for characteristics such as age, sex, weight, height, comorbidities, smoking status, postoperative wound complications, reoperation and patient/nurse satisfaction.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients met the inclusion criteria. In the staples group (n=50), 26 patients underwent THR while 24 patients underwent TKR. In the sutures group (n=50), 23 patients underwent THR and 27 patients underwent TKR. Overall, there was no significant difference between the two groups (staples versus sutures) in terms of wound complications (p=0.401), patient satisfaction (p=0.357) and nurse satisfaction (p=0.513). Further analysis compared THR and TKR subgroups (THR staples versus THR sutures and TKR staples versus TKR sutures). The results showed no significant difference between the staples and sutures subgroups of THR and TKR in terms of wound complications, patient satisfaction and nurse satisfaction.

CONCLUSION

In THR and TKR, there was no significant difference between either vertical mattress nylon sutures or staples primary skin closure in terms of wound complications and patient satisfaction in this study. The decision on wound closure method should be based on the availability of resources in the institution/country.

Evaluation of Incisional Wound Healing in Dogs after Closure with Staples or Tissue Glue and Comparison to Intradermal Suture Pattern

The study aimed to monitor the healing process in the canine skin following surgical incision and closure using staples or tissue glue and to compare them with the intradermal suture pattern. Surgically created skin incisions in 10 dogs were apposed with staples, tissue glue (n-butyl cyanoacrylate) and continuous intradermal pattern. The cosmetic appearance of the wounds was blindly evaluated on days 7, 14 and 28 and once a month until the end of the experiment, i.e., one year after the incision. Ultrasonographic and clinical evaluation was performed on days 0-10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 24 and 28, once a week until the end of the 3rd month and once a month until the end of the experiment. Histopathological evaluation was performed on days 7, 14, 28, 180 and 365. The median time required for the performance of each technique differed significantly between techniques; stapling lasted 21 s, glue 2 min 16 s and intradermal 15 min 37 s. Cosmetic appearance with glue was statistically worse than staples and intradermal. The clinical appearance of intradermal was significantly better than glue and staples. No significant differences were found at histological evaluation; however, glue had the worst score throughout the experiment. The overall evaluation of the techniques showed that glue had the worst score compared to intradermal and staples, with the difference being statistically significant in the first postoperative week. Intradermal suture pattern is much better than glue application for skin closure in dogs, whilst is not significantly better than staples. Staples should be preferred when time is an important factor.

Comparing Dermabond PRINEO versus Dermabond or staples for wound closure: a randomized control trial following total shoulder arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

The method of surgical incision closure after total shoulder arthroplasty is an important factor to consider, as it affects operating room time, procedure cost, cosmetic outcomes, and patient satisfaction. The optimal method of wound management is unknown, but should be cost-effective, reproducible, and provide a reliable clinical result. This study aimed to compare the following wound closure methods after total shoulder arthroplasty: staples, Dermabond, and Dermabond PRINEO. We hypothesized that wound closure time for Dermabond PRINEO would be faster than Dermabond and comparable to that of staples, and Dermabond PRINEO would be more cost-effective than Dermabond and staples, and provide equal or superior closure outcomes to Dermabond and staples.

METHODS

A randomized, prospective clinical trial comparing wound closure time and cost for 2 surgeons' traditional technique with that of Dermabond PRINEO was conducted. This study included at least 18 subjects in each group. Surgeon 1's patients were randomized to traditional Dermabond or Dermabond PRINEO, whereas surgeon 2's patients were randomized to staples or Dermabond PRINEO. Cosmetic outcomes and satisfaction scores were collected at 6 weeks and 3 months, postoperatively. Incisions were photographed, at both the 6-week and 3-month visits, and subsequently evaluated by a plastic surgeon blinded to the treatment method.

RESULTS

The wound closure time for surgeon 1 was significantly faster for Dermabond PRINEO vs. Dermabond, and surgeon 2 closed significantly faster with staples vs. Dermabond PRINEO. The mean cost of closure was significantly less with Dermabond PRINEO compared with Dermabond, whereas the mean cost of staples was significantly less than Dermabond PRINEO. For both surgeons 1 and 2, there were no significant differences in patient satisfaction at 6 weeks or 3 months. In addition, the wound closure methods did not produce differing cosmetic outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Although significant, the closing time for each method did not differ by a clinically relevant amount. Staples were the most cost-effective closing method, followed by Dermabond PRINEO. As neither method was superior over the other in terms of patient satisfaction, adverse events, and cosmetic outcomes, cost-effectiveness may be the greatest differentiator between the 3 methods.

Factors contributing to 1-year dissatisfaction after total knee arthroplasty: a nomogram prediction model

Background

Identifying risk factors and early intervention are critical for improving the satisfaction rate of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Our study aimed to identify patient-specific variables and establish a nomogram model to predict dissatisfaction at 1 year after TKA.

Methods

This prospective cohort study involved 208 consecutive primary TKA patients with end-stage arthritis who completed self-reported measures preoperatively and at 1 year postoperatively. All participants were randomized into a training cohort (n = 154) and validation cohort (n = 54). Multiple regression models with preoperative and postoperative factors were used to establish the nomogram model for dissatisfaction at 1 year postoperatively. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method was used to screen the suitable and effective risk factors (demographic variables, preoperative variables, surgical variable, and postoperative variables) collected. These variables were compared between the satisfied and dissatisfied groups in the training cohort. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plot, and decision curve analysis were used to validate the discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness of the model. Results were evaluated by internal validation of the validation cohort.

Results

The overall satisfaction rate 1 year after TKA was 77.8%. The nomogram prediction model included the following risk factors: gender; primary diagnosis; postoperative residual pain; poor postoperative range of motion; wound healing; and the rate of change in the degree of coronal lower limb alignment (hip–knee–ankle angle, HKA).The ROC curves of the training and validation cohorts were 0.9206 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.8785–0.9627) and 0.9662 (0.9231, 1.0000) (95% CI, 0.9231, 1.0000), respectively. The Hosmer–Lemeshow test showed good calibration of the nomogram (training cohort, p = 0.218; validation cohort, p = 0.103).

Conclusion

This study developed a prediction nomogram model based on partially modifiable risk factors for predicting dissatisfaction 1 year after TKA. This model demonstrated good discriminative capacity for identifying those at greatest risk for dissatisfaction and may help surgeons and patients identify and evaluate the risk factors for dissatisfaction and optimize TKA outcomes.

Surgical site infection after wound closure with staples versus sutures in elective knee and hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to study surgical site infection of wound closure using staples versus sutures in elective knee and hip arthroplasties.

Methods

A systematic literature review was performed to search for randomized controlled trials that compared surgical site infection after wound closure using staples versus sutures in elective knee and hip arthroplasties. The primary outcome was surgical site infection. The risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool. The relative risk and 95% confidence interval with a random-effects model were assessed.

Results

Eight studies were included in this study, including 2 studies with a low risk of bias, 4 studies having ‘some concerns’, and 2 studies with high risk of bias. Significant difference was not found in the risk of SSI for patients with staples (n = 557) versus sutures (n = 573) (RR: 1.70, 95% CI: 0.94–3.08, I² = 16%). The results were similar after excluding the studies with a high risk of bias (RR: 1.67, 95% CI: 0.91–3.07, I² = 32%). Analysis of studies with low risk of bias revealed a significantly higher risk of surgical site infection in patients with staples (n = 331) compared to sutures (n = 331) (RR: 2.56, 95% CI: 1.20–5.44, I² = 0%). There was no difference between continuous and interrupted sutures (P > 0.05). In hip arthroplasty, stapling carried a significantly higher risk of surgical site infection than suturing (RR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.15–5.50, I² = 0%), but there was no significant difference in knee arthroplasty (RR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.33–2.25, I² = 22%; P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Stapling might carry a higher risk of surgical site infection than suturing in elective knee and hip arthroplasties, especially in hip arthroplasty.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s42836-021-00110-7.

Wound closure position in total knee arthroplasty: flexion versus extension-a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most commonly used procedures in orthopedics. However, whether different would closure positions affect the clinical outcomes after TKA remains controversial. We conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCT) to assess the effect of wound closure position on clinical TKA outcomes.

METHODS

Embase, PubMed, and the Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched. A systematic review and meta-analysis of all RCTs were performed to prove the role of different wound closure positions on TKA.

RESULTS

Five RCTs containing 389 patients were included. Surgical closure of 90° flexion in TKA was associated with higher post-operative range-of-motion (ROM) at post-operative 4 weeks, lower VAS post-operative pain scores 4 weeks and 3 months, better peak torque difference of flexor muscle strength at 60 and 180°/s angular velocities between the flexion and the extension groups, and better total work difference of flexor muscle strength at 180°/s angular velocity. The American Knee Society Score did not show any significant difference between two closure techniques. No complications were described in the literature review.

CONCLUSIONS

Wound closure in 90° flexion during TKA may provide better postoperative ROM, higher pain relief, preferable muscle strength improvement in short-term follow-up, and no increase in the risks of wound complications.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II.