Polyglycolic acid, Dexon subcuticular suture in paediatric orthopaedic surgery

The present investigation was performed to compare the healing of skin incisions following running subcuticular suture using the absorbable material polyglycolic acid (Dexon) (DSS), and our standard procedure using polyamid (Supramid) interrupted percutaneous suture (SPS). In unilateral incisions one half of the wound closure was performed with DSS and the other with SPS. In bilateral incisions one method of closure was used for each side. A total of 100 scars were compared, 50 of each method. Less inflammatory reaction, a broader scar but slightly better cosmetic result and no increase in hypertrophic scar formation was found following Dexon intracuticular suture. Thus we recommend subcuticular suture with absorbable material in children to avoid the inconvenience with the removal of skin sutures.