Comparing absorbable and non-absorbable sutures for carpal tunnel surgery
Skin Closure With a Fast Absorbable Braided Suture Versus a Non-absorbable Monofilament Suture in Open Carpal Tunnel Release, a Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing whether absorbable or non-absorbable stitches work better for healing after carpal tunnel surgery by looking at scar appearance and pain one year later.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 116 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Kuopio University Hospital Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | chemotherapy |
| Locations | 1 site (Kuopio, Pohjois-Savo) |
| Trial ID | NCT05503719 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study compares the effectiveness of absorbable versus non-absorbable sutures in closing wounds after open carpal tunnel release surgery. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups, and their scar outcomes will be evaluated one year post-surgery. The study aims to assess not only the visual appearance of the scars but also the pain associated with each type of suture, including the pain from suture removal for non-absorbable sutures. The primary hypothesis is that there will be no significant difference in scar appearance between the two groups.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome who are referred for surgical release and can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with repeat surgeries, known allergies to suture materials, or those undergoing systemic treatments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction by identifying a less painful and more cost-effective suture option.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored similar comparisons, but this specific approach focusing on visual outcomes and pain assessment is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria * carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosed with electro near my-graphs * symptoms typical of carpal tunnel syndrome * referral to carpal tunnel release * informed consent signed * the ability to receive the virtual questionnaire via email and answer it * the ability to understand and answer the Finnish questionnaires Exclusion Criteria * repeat surgery * known allergy to suture materials * ongoing systemic steroid treatment * ongoing chemotherapy * ongoing immunomodulatory treatment * past hypertrophic or keloid scars or other severe disturbances in wound healing * age under 18, pregnancy or breastfeeding
Where this trial is running
Kuopio, Pohjois-Savo
- Kuopio University Hospital, Department of Orthopaedics, Traumatology and Hand Surgery — Kuopio, Pohjois-Savo, Finland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Yrjänä Nietosvaara, D.Med.Sc. M.D
- Email: yrjana.nietosvaara@kuh.fi
- Phone: (+358)44 717 6883
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.