Closure of skin with simple interrupted Prolene suturing versus subcuticular continuous Monocryl suturing after ORIF of distal radius fractures

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of the study was to assess the effects of subcuticular absorbable versus interrupted non-absorbable sutures for skin closure after distal radius fracture (DRF) fixation surgery in adults on post-operative pain, hand function, scar satisfaction, wound inflammation, and adverse events. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted with 65 patients undergoing DRF surgical treatment between March 2022 and December 2022. Patients were divided into two groups: Traditional interrupted suture with Prolene® (n = 27) and subcuticular continuous suture with Monocryl® (n = 38). Pain intensity, complications, and cosmetics were evaluated. Results: Subcuticular continuous suture with Monocryl® was superior to traditional interrupted suture with Prolene® in terms of the number of complications and esthetic and functional outcomes. Conclusion: This study concluded that the subcuticular suturing with absorbable monofilament Monocryl® proved advantageous compared to simple interrupted suturing with Prolene® because it presented better results regarding pain intensity and esthetic results, with fewer complications.