Comparing absorbable and non-absorbable sutures for hand surgery

Absorbable Versus Non-Absorbable Suture in Carpal Tunnel and Trigger Finger Wound Closure

Not applicable Interventional Mayo Clinic · NCT03781141

This study is testing whether absorbable or non-absorbable stitches work better for patients' satisfaction and scar appearance after hand surgeries like carpal tunnel and trigger finger.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorMayo Clinic Academic / other
Locations1 site (Rochester, Minnesota)
Trial IDNCT03781141 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the differences in patient satisfaction and cosmetic outcomes between absorbable and non-absorbable sutures used for wound closure in carpal tunnel and trigger finger surgeries. Patients will be randomly assigned to receive one of the two types of sutures, and their scar formation will be assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) and the Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE). The goal is to determine if one method leads to better aesthetic and symptomatic results than the other.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older undergoing primary open carpal tunnel release or trigger finger pulley release.

Not a fit: Patients who have had prior surgeries on the same hand or those undergoing revision surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved surgical outcomes and patient satisfaction in hand surgeries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored similar comparisons in surgical techniques, indicating potential for meaningful insights, though this specific comparison may be novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Any patient greater than or equal to 18 years of age.
* Any patient undergoing primary open carpal tunnel release or primary trigger finger pulley release

Exclusion Criteria:

* Any patient identified outside of the proposed study time period.
* Any patient receiving revision surgery
* Patients who have had prior ipsilateral palmar or finger surgery
* Patients with Dupuytren's disease

Where this trial is running

Rochester, Minnesota

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Carpal Tunnel SyndromeTrigger Finger
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.