[Bidirectional knotless barbed sutures during primary total knee arthroplasty: effective solution or new problem?]

THE HYPOTHESIS OF THE STUDY: The use of bidirectional knotless barbed sutures for closure of capsule and subcutaneous fat tissue in primary total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is safe and time-saving.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: 302 patients with end-stage osteoarthritis scheduled for primary non-complex TKA were randomly divided into two prospective groups: in group I (N=102) the capsule of the knee joint and subcutaneous fat tissues were closed by continuous braided suture while in group II (N=200) by bidirectional knotless barbed sutures. The skin in both groups was closed by non-absorbable monofilament polycaproamide uninterrupted suture.

RESULTS: The time of the surgery was significantly shorter in group II (65,25±11,9 min) than in group I (72,5±14,7 min) (p<0.05). The volume of hidden blood loss was similar in both groups. The number of patients with superficial infection during the first two week after surgery did not differ significantly (1,9% (I) and 1% (II)): they all healed successfully after skin debridement and additional closure. There were no cases of deep periprosthetic infection (PPI). At 3-month follow-up no difference found regarding pain level and knee function (Knee Society Score).

CONCLUSION: The use of bidirectional knotless barbed sutures in TKA reduces the time of surgery, does not affect the volume of hidden blood loss or PPI occurrence.