Vicryl Rapide® Versus Vicryl® Suture in Skin Closure of the Hand in Children: A Randomized Prospective Study

Abstract

This randomized prospective clinical study compared the use of two absorbable sutures, Vicryl Rapide® versus Vicryl®, in elective paediatric hand surgery. Sixty children were randomly allocated into two groups (30 in each group) and all were seen and assessed at 3 and 6 weeks for wound complications and suture reactions. Five problems occurred in the Vicryl® treatment group and none in the Vicryl Rapide® group ( P = 0.03). All the problems were related to the delayed absorption of the Vicryl® suture material and hence the prolonged presence of the suture in the hands of these children. It is concluded that Vicryl Rapide® sutures are more suitable than Vicryl® ones in paediatric hand surgery.