Clinical Efficacy of Titanium-Nickel Shape Memory Alloy Suture for the Repair of Facial Lacerations in Emergency Trauma.

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Titanium-Nickel (Ti-Ni) shape memory alloy sutures in the deep subcutaneous closure of facial emergency lacerations compared with traditional absorbable sutures.

METHODS

Forty patients were randomized into a treatment group (n=20, Ti-Ni alloy sutures removed at 14 d) and a control group (n=20, traditional absorbable sutures). Both groups received 7-0 nylon for epidermal closure. Outcomes included wound healing, complication rates (infection/rejection), patient satisfaction, and 4-week Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) scores.

RESULTS

The treatment group achieved a 100% primary healing rate with no infections or suture rejections. In the control group, 10% (2/20) of patients experienced infection and suture rejection (P<0.05). Patient satisfaction was 100% in the treatment group compared with 90% in the control group. At 4 weeks postoperatively, the treatment group demonstrated significantly lower VSS scores for scar widening, erythema, and overall impression than the control group (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Titanium-nickel (Ti-Ni) memory alloy sutures provide stable tension relief and minimize complications by eliminating long-term subcutaneous foreign bodies. This technique offers a superior alternative for enhancing early cosmetic repair in facial trauma.