Similar infection rates in a new wound closure method following knee arthroplasty.

ABSTRACT

Surgical site infections, defined as acute wound infections requiring surgical intervention within 90 days post-surgery, were retrospectively compared between a novel, zipper-like closure method (ZM) and staples in 682 patients (904 knees) and 772 patients (971 knees), respectively. The incidence of deep infections was 0.6% for staples and 0.2% for ZM (p = 0.169) and superficial infections was 0.1% for staples and 0.0% for ZM (p = 0.518). With no difference in wound complications, the ZM may be preferred since the two-week post-operative clinic visit required for wound check and staple removal was eliminated, thereby, decreasing clinic volume.