Suture/Steri-Strip combination for the management of lacerations in thin-skinned individuals.

BACKGROUND

The closure of lacerations in thin-skinned patients often presents a challenge to emergency physicians; skin contracture and inflamed, edematous wounds prevent easy opposition of wound edges, thereby preventing simple closure.

OBJECTIVE

To present a simple closure technique using a combination of Steri-Strips™ (3M, St. Paul, MN) and sutures to facilitate closure of wounds.

DISCUSSION

With this technique, the wound edges are opposed and held in place by the application of Steri-Strips, through which sutures are placed and tied. The Steri-Strip prevents the suture from cutting through the skin while the tied suture removes the tension of the Steri-Strip on the epidermis, thereby preventing shearing.

CONCLUSION

This is a simple and quick technique applicable to all parts of the body in patients with thin or poor quality skin, helping to alleviate the complications often encountered with either method used in isolation, and thereby reducing possible further morbidity.