Comparing Steri-Strip and surgical staple wound closures after primary total knee arthroplasties.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Steri-Strips (3M, Two Harbors, MN, USA) have recently been employed for skin closures after orthopedic surgeries. Here we compare the performance of Steri-Strips and skin staples for wound closure after primary total knee arthroplasties (TKAs). METHODS: A total of 76 consecutive osteoarthritic knees (71 patients) that underwent a primary TKA at our facility were included in this study. Thirty-eight knees received Steri-Strips for wound closure and were evaluated prospectively. The other 38 knees were closed with skin staples (Staple group) and evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: No deep or superficial infections developed in this series. Although Steri-Strips detached from three knees during the 10-day postoperative period, no dehiscence was observed. Thirteen knees developed blisters around the surgical incision in the Steri-Strip group compared with five knees in the Staple group. The average operative time for the Steri-Strip group was 60.6 min (SD 7.3) compared with 54.1 min (SD 6.9) in the Staple group. There were significant differences in operative time (p < 0.001) and tourniquet time (p < 0.001) between the two groups. The average time until patients were permitted to start showering was significantly shorter in the Steri-Strip group (p = 0.0496). The material cost for Steri-Strips was approximately $3.00 USD for one operation compared with $26 USD for skin staplers. CONCLUSIONS: Wound closure with Steri-Strips after a TKA does not require postoperative material removal and may have improved safety, comfort, cosmesis and cost-effectiveness compared with traditional skin closures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level II, Prognostic study.