Outcomes of Layered Closure and Adjunctive Adhesive Retention Suture Device Use Following Ankle Fracture Open Reduction and Internal Fixation: A Single Center, Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract

Introduction. Wound edge necrosis, dehiscence, infection, and need for reoperation can occur following ankle fracture ORIF. An assistive retention suture device has been developed to serve as an adjunct to skin closure to help mitigate the potential for wound dehiscence and subsequent complications. Objective. This single-center retrospective review compared early postoperative healing and functional outcomes following ankle fracture ORIF in 39 patients in which layered closure alone (n = 20) and layered closure with use of a DAC (n = 19) was performed. Results. Adjunctive assistive retention suture device use with layered closure following ankle fracture ORIF resulted in a 60% decrease in the time to healing, an 80% reduction in postoperative dehiscence, a 90% reduction in the need for reoperation, and a 53% reduction in the time in which use of an ambulatory assistive device, brace, or orthoses was required compared to layered closure alone. Conclusions. The results of this study suggest that use of this assistive retention suture device minimizes potential postoperative healing complications, decreases need for revisional surgery, and reduces time until return to activity.