Barbed sutures for arthroplasty closure--does it decrease the risk of glove perforation?

Bull NYU Hosp Jt Dis. 2012;70(4):250-3.

Abstract

Recent resurgence in the interest of barbed suture has extended its application to wound closures in total joint surgery. Improved suture biomaterials and barb geometry has lead to consideration for its use in various orthopedic procedures including arthroplasty. The reported superior wound tensile stress distribution, no need for knots, and ability to close multiple layers with one suture make it an attractive option for deep wound closure after total joint surgery. However, inherent to the design of this suture are barbs that pose a risk of glove perforation and the potential for the transmission of blood borne pathogens. This study reports no increase in the incidence of glove perforation with use of barbed suture for deep wound closure after total joint arthroplasty.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip*
  • Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee*
  • Blood-Borne Pathogens
  • Equipment Contamination
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure
  • Gloves, Surgical*
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Infectious Disease Transmission, Patient-to-Professional / prevention & control*
  • New York / epidemiology
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology
  • Occupational Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Occupational Exposure
  • Prospective Studies
  • Risk Assessment
  • Risk Factors
  • Suture Techniques / adverse effects*
  • Suture Techniques / instrumentation*
  • Sutures / adverse effects*