Evaluation of oblique mattress suturing technique for skin closure in carpal tunnel syndrome surgery

BACKGROUND: The carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) treatment is commonly performed surgically. Despite options of many different suturing techniques for postoperative skin closure, the side effects of incision repair still disturbs patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate if using of oblique mattress suturing technique could make recovery more favorable.METHODS: Total of 60 eligible patients enrolled who suffered from the CTS. The latter objectively confirmed by using electromyography and nerve conduction velocity studies. Participants were allocated to two groups with equal 30 members based on randomized controlled trial method. Intervention was consisted of using oblique mattress suturing technique for dermal closure after releasing of the median nerve was accomplished. For controls simple stitches was applied for primary skin repair. Study variables including postoperative pain, paresthesia, limita-tions of wrist movement, functional status of hand, bleeding, and infection were examined in next 2 and 12 weeks in follow-up visits.RESULTS: Most of involved patients were females (73.3%, P<0.05). The most side of involvement was the right which was also the mostly observed side for dominant hands (P<0.05). Considering postoperative side effects, there was no analytically significant difference between two groups although data showed feasible recovery period after taking oblique mattress sutures was existing (P>0.5).CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically obvious preference for applying oblique mattress sutures in comparison to simple stitches following the CTS surgery.