The shorthand vertical mattress stitch: evaluation of a new suture technique

The shorthand vertical mattress suture is a new suture technique that provides the same amount of wound eversion in less time than the classic method. A randomized, prospective clinical trial was designed to test this hypothesis in a University-affiliated community hospital. Thirty patients who presented to the emergency department with traumatic lacerations requiring primary closure were eligible for this study. Wounds involving the hands, feet, or face were excluded. Patients meeting inclusion criteria were allocated randomly to have either shorthand or classic vertical mattress sutures. Wound information was collected on data sheets and included physician training level, repair time, number of knots placed, and degree of wound-edge eversion for each suture technique. Subjects were then asked to return to the emergency department in 7 to 10 days for wound assessment and suture removal. Thirty-six lacerations to the scalp, trunk, and extremities were evaluated. Shorthand vertical mattress sutures were used on 20 wounds (56%) and classic mattress sutures were used on 16 (44%) wounds. The shorthand stitch provided the same amount of wound eversion in half the time as the classic technique. No infectious complications, delayed wound healing, or cosmetic problems were observed with the shorthand technique. The shorthand vertical mattress stitch described is an efficient, alternative method for laceration repair without compromising wound eversion or cosmetic results.