Randomised controlled study of two different techniques of skin suture in endoscopic release of carpal tunnel.

In a prospective, randomised trial of 54 hands in 47 patients incisions were randomised to be closed by either absorbable subcuticular (polyglytone 6211, Caprosyn), or non-absorbable interrupted (polybutester, Novafil), sutures after single-portal endoscopic release of the carpal tunnel. There was a significant reduction in pain scores on days 1 and 2 in the patients treated with an absorbable continuous subcuticular suture, and no difference in inflammation or infection. There was no difference in the cosmetic appearance between the two groups after three months.