A prospective randomised trial of absorbable versus non-absorbable sutures for wound closure after fasciectomy for Dupuytren's contracture.

After fasciectomy for Dupuytren's contracture the wound has traditionally been closed with non-absorbable sutures. A prospective randomised study of 59 patients was undertaken to compare wound closure after fasciectomy with irradiated polyglactin 910 absorbable sutures and non-absorbable sutures. The outcomes studied were: time spent attending to the wound at the first postoperative visit; the patient's pain score at that visit; and any complications. Wound care required significantly more time when non-absorbable sutures were used. There was no significant difference in pain scores or in complications between the two groups. We recommend the use of irradiated polyglactin 910 absorbable sutures for wound closure after fasciectomy as it saves time and resources without compromising wound healing.