Suture Materials for Hand Cuts
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether nylon or absorbable stitches work best for healing cuts on the hand. Researchers aim to assess how each type affects wound healing, patient satisfaction, and potential complications. Individuals with recent hand or forearm cuts requiring stitches, treated at the PSHMC Emergency Department, may qualify. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to contribute to understanding the best stitching methods for hand injuries.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
What prior data suggests that these suture materials are safe for hand cuts?
Research shows that both absorbable and non-absorbable sutures are generally safe for closing cuts on the hand.
Absorbable sutures, which dissolve on their own, offer a good option for stitching hand cuts. One study found that patients with absorbable sutures experienced similar outcomes to those with non-absorbable sutures, including low infection rates. This suggests that absorbable sutures are safe and well-tolerated.
Non-absorbable nylon sutures, which require removal later, are also widely used and considered safe. Research comparing these with absorbable sutures found similar results in terms of pain, scar appearance, and infection rates. This indicates that nylon sutures are well-tolerated by most patients.
In summary, both types of sutures are safe and have few reported issues.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about these suture materials for hand cuts because each has distinct advantages. The absorbable surgical gut suture is derived from natural sources like bovine or sheep intestines and is absorbed by the body over time, eliminating the need for removal and reducing follow-up visits. This is particularly beneficial for patients who want a more convenient recovery process. On the other hand, the non-absorbable nylon suture is made from strong synthetic polymers, providing long-lasting support for wound healing, which is crucial in complex repairs or for patients needing extra strength in sutures. Both options offer unique benefits compared to traditional sutures, allowing for more tailored treatment depending on patient needs and wound complexity.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for hand cuts?
This trial will compare two types of stitches for hand cuts: absorbable surgical gut suture and non-absorbable nylon suture. Studies have shown that both types effectively close hand cuts. Research suggests that absorbable stitches, like chromic gut, can serve as a good alternative to non-absorbable ones, such as nylon, for hand surgeries. Participants receiving absorbable stitches have shown similar healing and wound appearance. Non-absorbable nylon stitches are often used for their strength and visibility. Overall, both types are reliable for treating hand cuts, with no major differences in scar appearance or hand function reported in some studies.24678
Who Is on the Research Team?
Kenneth Taylor, MD
Principal Investigator
Penn State Health Milton S Hershey Medical Center
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
Adults over 18 with hand or forearm lacerations suitable for suture repair in the emergency department can join this trial. They must speak and understand English, be able to consent, follow study procedures, and not be pregnant or imprisoned. Excluded are those with diabetes, tobacco use, cognitive impairments, immunosuppression, previous scars or injuries at the same site.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive suture repair of hand lacerations using either absorbable or non-absorbable sutures
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for wound healing and pain at 2, 6, and 12 weeks after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Absorbable Surgical Gut Suture material
- Non-absorbable Nylon Suture Material
Trial Overview
The trial is testing two types of sutures for repairing cuts on hands and forearms: absorbable surgical gut sutures versus non-absorbable nylon sutures. It will assess healing quality, patient satisfaction, and any complications arising from the different suture materials.
How Is the Trial Designed?
2
Treatment groups
Active Control
Ethicon Chromic Surgical Gut Suture Is an absorbable, sterile surgical suture composed of purified connective tissue (mostly collagen) derived from either the serosal layer of beef (bovine) or the submucosal fibrous layer of sheep (ovine) Intestines. Surgical Gut Suture is Indicated for use In general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use In ophthalmic procedures, but not for use in cardiovascular and neurologic tissues.
Ethicon ETHILON\* nylon suture is a nonabsorbab\\e, sterile surgical monofi\\ament suture composed of the long-chain aliphatic polymers Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6. ETHILON sutures are dyed black or green to enhance visibility in tissue. The suture is also available undyed (clear). ETHILON suture is indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in cardiovascular, ophthalmic and neurological procedures.
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Kenneth Taylor, M.D.
Lead Sponsor
Published Research Related to This Trial
Citations
Emergency department repair of hand lacerations using ...
The use of absorbable suture material has a number of potential advantages when compared to nonabsorbable suture. We conducted a 5-year retrospective study ...
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Nylon and ...
Our findings suggests that Chromic sutures are a viable alternative to polyamide sutures after office hand surgery.
Suture Materials for Hand Cuts · Info for Participants
This study aims to determine whether the use of non-absorbable (i.e. nylon) versus absorbable (i.e. chromic gut) sutures in traumatic hand lacerations affects ...
A Randomized Evaluator Blind Split Wound Trial
5-0 polypropylene resulted in small but statistically significant better cosmetic outcomes than 5-0 fast absorbing plain gut.
Summary of Safety & Effectiveness Absorbable Surgical Gut ...
“Grams Absorbable Surgical Gut Suture (Plain and Chromic) is indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in ophthalmic.
NCT06247761 | STASSH - TRAUMA - Absorbable vs Non- ...
Emergency hand surgery patients - randomized to either absorbable or non-absorbable suture. The primary outcomes investigated will be: • Infection occurrence.
Absorbable Sutures and Telemedicine for Patients ...
The results of this study demonstrate that the use of an absorbable suture and telemedicine protocol for patients undergoing trigger finger ...
Emergency department repair of hand lacerations using ...
We conclude that the use of absorbable suture material is an acceptable alternative in the repair of hand lacerations.
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