The Australian and New Zealand journal of surgery
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
The use of taped skin closure in orthopaedic wounds.
The cosmetic result, cost effectiveness, and complication rate of three different types of skin closure: staples, tapes, and interrupted nylon were compared. In 68 wounds, skin closure was randomized to staples, tapes, or interrupted 3/0 nylon sutures. All wounds were closed subcutaneously with interrupted undyed 2/0 dexon. ⋯ Tapes were the most cost-effective because they are the cheapest although they were not as quick to apply as staples. There was no difference in complication rate. Tapes also afforded the greatest patient comfort.