Healing of Arthroscopic Portals in Shoulder Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Different Methods of Closure

Abstract

Background Suturing of portals following arthroscopic shoulder surgery is the standard method of closure, but may be unnecessary. We carried out a randomised controlled trial to compare patients whose arthroscopic portals were closed by suturing and those that were covered by a simple dressing. We randomised 60 patients undergoing diagnostic shoulder arthroscopy, arthroscopic subacromial decompression and arthroscopic acromioclavicular joint excision. Methods At 10 to 12 days following surgery, patients attended the GP surgery for a wound check and removal of sutures as required. At 3 weeks and 3 months every patient was reviewed by a designated, blinded, observer and the wounds assessed. The patients completed a questionnaire including visual analogue scores to determine their satisfaction with wound appearance and any complications such as infection. Results At 3 weeks and 3 months no patients had needed antibiotics with no wound erythema or signs of infection. The number of dressings needed was comparable in both groups (p=0.73). The difference in the level of patient satisfaction was not statistically significant in either group (p=0.46). The wound cosmesis score was not statistically different in either group (p=0.66). Conclusion We conclude that both closure techniques were equivalent but the non-suture technique is cheaper with lower morbidity. From our study there is no need to suture shoulder arthroscopy portal wounds.