Simple interrupted and continuous interlocking suturing techniquescomparision inmaxillofacial trauma–a Randomised Controlled Trial.

Abstract

Background Suturing is a fine skill in the field of surgery to keep the dermal mucosal edges to come into contact and heal together to attain a scar less or relatively fine line scar. Suturing in oral cavity is seen to be technically challenging due to its anatomical nature of confined space and obstacles such as teeth tongue buccal musculature saliva etc. and maintaining of the suture post-operatively plays a major role. Simple interrupted and continuous interlocking are commonly used and simple method of suturing and Vicryl Polyglactin is preferred absorbable intraoral suture material.Objectives To compare the efficacy of simple interrupted and continuous interlocking suturing techniques using 3-0 vicryl Polyglactin suturesMethod The study sample includes 20 patients 16 males and 4 females with maxillofacial trauma requiring ORIF Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of maxilla or mandible fractures were randomly divided into two groups Group A and Group B. Inclusion criteria for the study were patients with age groups between 20-50 years requiring ORIF under local anesthesia or general anesthesia through an intraoral approach and incision measuring 4cm - 6cm. Patients requiring extra-oral incisions comminuted fractures with acute illness infection pregnancy immune compromised conditions and not willing to participate in the study were excluded from the study. Surgical site was closed in single layer using 3-0 Vicryl sutures. Intraoperatively time taken for suturing wound dehiscence and wound healing were monitored on post-operative day 3 7 and 30.Results Continuous interlocking sutures shows superior results than that of simple interrupted sutures in terms of time taken for suturing wound dehiscence and wound healing.Conclusion Even though simple interrupted is easy technique continuous interrupted suturing technique shows superior results. However surgeons who operating maxillofacial trauma may have their own view point and technique selection depends on their individual preferences.