Utility of Shoelace Technique in Closure of Fasciotomy Wounds in Electric Burns

Abstract

Abstract Fasciotomy is indicated to relieve compartment syndrome caused by electric burns. Many techniques are available to close the fasciotomy wounds including vacuum-assisted closure, skin grafting, and healing by secondary intention. This study assessed the shoelace technique in fasciotomy wound closure in patients with electric burns. The study included 19 fasciotomy wounds that were treated by shoelace technique (Group ST, n = 10 fasciotomy wounds) or by skin grafting/healing by secondary intention (Group C, n = 9 fasciotomy wounds). Data were collected for wound surface area, time to intervention, time to wound closure, rate of decrease in wound surface area after application of shoelace technique and associated complications. The mean time to intervention after fasciotomy was significantly lower in Group ST—7.6 ± 3.8 days as compared to 15.8 ± 5.3 days in Group C (P = .004). The median time to closure was also significantly lower in Group ST—7 days (range 6–10) as compared to Group C—20 days (range 12–48) (P < .001). Primary closure was achieved in 80% cases in the group ST and no complications were recorded. The shoelace technique is an economical, fast, and effective method of fasciotomy wound closure in electric burns, especially in high volume centers and resource-limited areas.