Single interrupted sutures compared with Donati sutures after open carpal tunnel release: a prospective randomised trial.

Inversion of the wound edges is one of the potential causes of postoperative scar tenderness after open carpal tunnel release. When using vertical mattress sutures (also named Donati sutures), inversion of wound edges is less likely to occur compared with single interrupted sutures. The purpose of this study was to compare the use of both sutures after open carpal tunnel release and assess their effects on scar tenderness and functional outcome. A prospective randomised controlled trial was performed comparing single interrupted and Donati sutures. Eighty-nine hands were included in the study. Eight weeks postoperatively, scar formation was nice/very nice in 94% (single stitches) and 97% (Donati stitches) of the patients. Pain and disability scores were, in both groups, improved 8 weeks postoperatively, although the patients receiving Donati sutures had a 2-fold higher pain score. In conclusion, both Donati and single stitches are related to excellent scar formation. The Donati sutures are related to more prolonged postoperative pain.