ClinicalTrials.gg
TerminatedNCT05281666Updated Mar 17, 2026Results posted

Suture Repair of Lacerations in the ED: Comparison Between Two Suture Materials

An interventional study of Absorbable Surgical Gut Suture material and Non-absorbable Nylon Suture Material in Laceration of Hand and Laceration of Forearm, sponsored by Kenneth Taylor, M.D.. Terminated at 1 site in United States. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-03-17.

Sponsored by Kenneth Taylor, M.D. · Not applicable, Interventional, and Treatment

Why this study was terminated
Study closed due to recruitment problems
Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
6
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years and older
Sex
All
01

Where this study stands

Counted across the records on this site · 2026-11-12

Among 60 studies in Lacerations with a site in United States — 12 open to participants now, 14 under way, 1 of them phase 3. Lacerations · United States.

Enrollment
42nd of 52
6 · median 52
Started
2022
with 2 others
No phase
33 of 60
5 open now
Registered
44th of 60
by date

Among the 60 studies in Lacerations with a site in United States, this one is the 42nd largest by enrollment of the 52 interventional ones, is one of 3 that started in 2022, is one of 33 with no phase, and was the 44th registered.

By phase

60 studies; the count open now beside each. This study's row is marked.

No phasethis study33 · 5 open
Phase 410 · 2 open
Observational7 · 2 open
Phase 26 · 1 open
Phase 11 · 1 open
Phase 1/21 · 0 open
Phase 2/31 · 0 open
Phase 31 · 1 open

By the year they started

First in 2000; this study’s year is marked. 3 started in 2022.

Size and results

Median enrollment 52 across the 52 interventional studies, 50 across the 7 observational. Of the 36 that completed or were terminated, 18 (50%) have results posted.

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Watch this landscapeDownload CSVWith an account: a weekly mail of what changed among 60 studies in Lacerations with a site in United States, or all of them as a file.
02

Study summary

This study aims to determine whether the use of non-absorbable (i.e. nylon) versus absorbable (i.e. chromic gut) sutures in traumatic hand lacerations affects wound healing, patient perception, and development of complications.

Read the detailed description

There has been limited data published on suture type in traumatic hand wounds. The only study we found in our literature review was a retrospective study comparing vicryl vs. nylon suture and found no difference in scar appearance, tenderness, retraction, or complications as far as 6 months after repair (2). There have been no prospective studies on this topic. The theoretical advantage of absorbable suture for these wounds is they do not require suture removal, thereby removing the discomfort of suture removal as well potentially decreasing the burden of follow-up.

At the Penn State Health Hershey Medical Center, either suture choice included in this study is considered standard of care and is routinely used. Selection as to whether absorbable or non-absorbable suture is used is based on the preference and discretion of the resident and attending surgeon involved in the patient care. As such, if a patient were to present to the emergency department with a forearm or hand laceration and hand surgery were consulted, regardless of whether the patient opts to participate in this research study, their laceration would be repaired with either absorbable or non-absorbable suture depending on provider preference and the patient would be scheduled follow-up.

There have been multiple prospective clinical trials on suture type in the context of planned surgical incisions, specifically carpal tunnel release, with variable outcomes. One clinical trial looking at a total of 40 incisions found no difference in pain, tenderness, inflammation, or outcomes postoperatively (3). Certain clinical trials favored non-absorbable sutures, reporting a higher rate of infection (4) or inflammation (5) with vicryl suture as compared to non-braided, non-absorbable sutures. On the other hand, other clinical trials favored absorbable sutures, describing reduction in pain scores (6) and pain associated with absorbable suture removal in the setting of other equivalent outcomes (7).

The purpose of the study is to evaluate the use of absorbable and non-absorbable suture material in hand lacerations repaired in the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Emergency Department.

03

Conditions studied

  • Laceration of Hand
  • Laceration of Forearm

Keywords

  • laceration
  • wound
  • absorbable
  • non-absorbable
  • hand
  • forearm
04

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years and older
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

  • Subject seen in PSHMC Emergency Department for hand or forearm lacerations (i.e. laceration below the level of the elbow) that require suture repair, in which Hand Surgery is consulted
  • CDC surgical wound classification grades I-IV
  • Age >18 years of age
  • Gender: male or female (non-pregnant)
  • Fluent in written and spoken English
  • Subject is able to provide voluntary, written
  • Subject, in the opinion of the clinical investigator, is able to understand the clinical investigation and is willing to perform all study procedures and follow-up visits
  • Non-Prisoners

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Known allergy to suture material
  • History of (i.e. concurrent chemotherapy, use or immunomodulatory therapy)
  • History of diabetes mellitus
  • Pregnancy
  • Current Tobacco use
  • Age \< 18 years old
  • Previous skin laceration at same location
  • History of previous hypertrophic or keloid scar
  • Concurrent tendon, nerve or bone injury requiring trip to the operating room
  • Non-English speaking patients
  • Cognitive impairment
  • Prisoners
Terms in these criteria, in plain language(3)

Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.

Informed consent

Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.

You can keep asking questions during the study, you are told of new information that matters, and you can choose to leave at any time.

Immunosuppression

A weakened immune system. It can come from an illness, such as HIV or some blood cancers, or from medicines that turn the immune system down, for example after an organ transplant or for an autoimmune disease; steroids at higher doses count.

Read whether the line is about a condition or about medicines, and which medicines and doses it means.

Corticosteroids (steroids)

Anti-inflammatory medicines such as prednisone, prednisolone and dexamethasone — not the anabolic steroids used for muscle.

Studies differ in what they allow: check which steroid medicines, routes (tablets, injections, creams, inhalers, eye drops) and doses this study accepts.

05

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
6 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Active comparator
    Absorbable Surgical Gut Suture

    Ethicon Chromic Surgical Gut Suture Is an absorbable, sterile surgical suture composed of purified connective tissue (mostly collagen) derived from either the serosal layer of beef (bovine) or the submucosal fibrous layer of sheep (ovine) Intestines. Surgical Gut Suture is Indicated for use In general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use In ophthalmic procedures, but not for use in cardiovascular and neurologic tissues.

    Device: Absorbable Surgical Gut Suture material

  • Active comparator
    Non-absorbable Nylon Suture

    Ethicon ETHILON\* nylon suture is a nonabsorbab\\e, sterile surgical monofi\\ament suture composed of the long-chain aliphatic polymers Nylon 6 and Nylon 6,6. ETHILON sutures are dyed black or green to enhance visibility in tissue. The suture is also available undyed (clear). ETHILON suture is indicated for use in general soft tissue approximation and/or ligation, including use in cardiovascular, ophthalmic and neurological procedures.

    Device: Non-absorbable Nylon Suture Material

Interventions

  • DeviceAbsorbable Surgical Gut Suture material

    Participants with lacerations below the level of the forearm that meet inclusion criteria and are consented and randomized to this group will undergo washout and laceration repair using absorbable surgical gut suture material. They will be sent home with antibiotics. They will be asked to return to the outpatient hand clinic at 2, 6, and 12 weeks follow-up. Their wound will be assessed by a single observer, utilizing the POSAS and VAS.

  • DeviceNon-absorbable Nylon Suture Material

    Participants with lacerations below the level of the forearm that meet inclusion criteria and are consented and randomized to this group will undergo washout and laceration repair using non-absorbable nylon gut suture material. They will be sent home with antibiotics. They will be asked to return to the outpatient hand clinic at 2, 6, and 12 weeks follow-up. Their sutures will be removed at the 2-week follow-up visit. Their wound will be assessed by a single observer, utilizing the POSAS and VAS.

06

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Score in Wound Healing From Surgery to 2 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Patient Portion

    Patients return to the practice site at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after their initial visit to the Emergency Department and complete the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The assigned blinded observer also completes this survey. Scores are obtained from both the subject and observer at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) evaluates scars and consists of two 6-item, 10-point scales (1 = normal skin, 10 = worst scar imaginable) for both patients and observers. Scores for each scale range from 6 to 60, where higher scores indicate poorer scar quality. Both scales include an overall opinion item, which is not included in the sum score.

    Time frame: 2 weeks post-laceration repair

  2. Score in Wound Healing From Surgery 6 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Patient Portion

    Patients return to the practice site at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after their initial visit to the Emergency Department and complete the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The assigned blinded observer also completes this survey. Scores are obtained from both the subject and observer at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) evaluates scars and consists of two 6-item, 10-point scales (1 = normal skin, 10 = worst scar imaginable) for both patients and observers. Scores for each scale range from 6 to 60, where higher scores indicate poorer scar quality. Both scales include an overall opinion item, which is not included in the sum score.

    Time frame: 6 weeks post-laceration repair

  3. Score in Wound Healing From Surgery 12 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Patient Portion

    Patients return to the practice site at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after their initial visit to the Emergency Department and complete the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The assigned blinded observer also completes this survey. Scores are obtained from both the subject and observer at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) evaluates scars and consists of two 6-item, 10-point scales (1 = normal skin, 10 = worst scar imaginable) for both patients and observers. Scores for each scale range from 6 to 60, where higher scores indicate poorer scar quality. Both scales include an overall opinion item, which is not included in the sum score.

    Time frame: 12 weeks post-laceration repair

  4. Score in Wound Healing From Surgery to 2 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Observer Portion

    Patients return to the practice site at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after their initial visit to the Emergency Department and complete the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The assigned blinded observer also completes this survey. Scores are obtained from both the subject and observer at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) evaluates scars and consists of two 6-item, 10-point scales (1 = normal skin, 10 = worst scar imaginable) for both patients and observers. Scores for each scale range from 6 to 60, where higher scores indicate poorer scar quality. Both scales include an overall opinion item, which is not included in the sum score.

    Time frame: 2 weeks post-laceration repair

  5. Score in Wound Healing From Surgery 6 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Observer Portion

    Patients return to the practice site at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after their initial visit to the Emergency Department and complete the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The assigned blinded observer also completes this survey. Scores are obtained from both the subject and observer at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) evaluates scars and consists of two 6-item, 10-point scales (1 = normal skin, 10 = worst scar imaginable) for both patients and observers. Scores for each scale range from 6 to 60, where higher scores indicate poorer scar quality. Both scales include an overall opinion item, which is not included in the sum score.

    Time frame: 6 weeks post-laceration repair

  6. Score in Wound Healing From Surgery 12 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Observer Portion

    Patients return to the practice site at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after their initial visit to the Emergency Department and complete the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The assigned blinded observer also completes this survey. Scores are obtained from both the subject and observer at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) evaluates scars and consists of two 6-item, 10-point scales (1 = normal skin, 10 = worst scar imaginable) for both patients and observers. Scores for each scale range from 6 to 60, where higher scores indicate poorer scar quality. Both scales include an overall opinion item, which is not included in the sum score.

    Time frame: 12 weeks post-laceration repair

Secondary outcomes

  1. Patient Reported Pain Using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 2-weeks

    Patients return to the practice site at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after their initial visit to the Emergency Department and complete the VAS Analog Scale. The VAS is a validated, subjective tool for measuring pain intensity, typically consisting of a 10-cm (100-mm) horizontal line anchored by "no pain"(0) and "worst possible pain" (10). Adults mark their pain level on this line, and the distance from the left is measured to determine the score.

    Time frame: 2 weeks post-laceration repair

  2. Patient Reported Pain Using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 6-weeks

    Patients return to the practice site at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after their initial visit to the Emergency Department and complete the VAS Analog Scale. The VAS is a validated, subjective tool for measuring pain intensity, typically consisting of a 10-cm (100-mm) horizontal line anchored by "no pain"(0) and "worst possible pain" (10). Adults mark their pain level on this line, and the distance from the left is measured to determine the score.

    Time frame: 6 weeks post-laceration repair

  3. Patient Reported Pain Using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 12-weeks

    Patients return to the practice site at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after their initial visit to the Emergency Department and complete the VAS Analog Scale. The VAS is a validated, subjective tool for measuring pain intensity, typically consisting of a 10-cm (100-mm) horizontal line anchored by "no pain"(0) and "worst possible pain" (10). Adults mark their pain level on this line, and the distance from the left is measured to determine the score.

    Time frame: 12 weeks post-laceration repair

07

Results

Posted Mar 17, 2026
Limitations and caveats
Early termination leading to small numbers of subjects enrolled.

Participant flow

Participants were recruited during their clinical encounter in the Emergency Room at an academic medical center. The first participant was enrolled on 8/23/2022 and the final patient enrolled on 9/24/2022. The study was kept open for enrollment until 2025 when PI decided to close it due to lack of enrollment.

Participant flow — Overall Study
MilestoneAbsorbable Surgical Gut SutureNon-absorbable Nylon Suture
Started42
Completed31
Not completed11
Withdrew: Withdrawal by subject10
Withdrew: Lost to follow-up01

Outcome measures

PrimaryScore in Wound Healing From Surgery to 2 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Patient Portion

Patients return to the practice site at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after their initial visit to the Emergency Department and complete the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The assigned blinded observer also completes this survey. Scores are obtained from both the subject and observer at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) evaluates scars and consists of two 6-item, 10-point scales (1 = normal skin, 10 = worst scar imaginable) for both patients and observers. Scores for each scale range from 6 to 60, where higher scores indicate poorer scar quality. Both scales include an overall opinion item, which is not included in the sum score.

Time frame:
2 weeks post-laceration repair
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Score in Wound Healing From Surgery to 2 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Patient Portion
score on a scaleAbsorbable Surgical Gut SutureNon-absorbable Nylon Suture
Score in Wound Healing From Surgery to 2 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Patient Portion25 ± 11.824 ± 2.8
PrimaryScore in Wound Healing From Surgery 6 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Patient Portion

Patients return to the practice site at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after their initial visit to the Emergency Department and complete the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The assigned blinded observer also completes this survey. Scores are obtained from both the subject and observer at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) evaluates scars and consists of two 6-item, 10-point scales (1 = normal skin, 10 = worst scar imaginable) for both patients and observers. Scores for each scale range from 6 to 60, where higher scores indicate poorer scar quality. Both scales include an overall opinion item, which is not included in the sum score.

Time frame:
6 weeks post-laceration repair
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Score in Wound Healing From Surgery 6 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Patient Portion
score on a scaleAbsorbable Surgical Gut SutureNon-absorbable Nylon Suture
Score in Wound Healing From Surgery 6 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Patient Portion12 ± 5.3—
PrimaryScore in Wound Healing From Surgery 12 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Patient Portion

Patients return to the practice site at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after their initial visit to the Emergency Department and complete the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The assigned blinded observer also completes this survey. Scores are obtained from both the subject and observer at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) evaluates scars and consists of two 6-item, 10-point scales (1 = normal skin, 10 = worst scar imaginable) for both patients and observers. Scores for each scale range from 6 to 60, where higher scores indicate poorer scar quality. Both scales include an overall opinion item, which is not included in the sum score.

Time frame:
12 weeks post-laceration repair
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Score in Wound Healing From Surgery 12 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Patient Portion
score on a scaleAbsorbable Surgical Gut SutureNon-absorbable Nylon Suture
Score in Wound Healing From Surgery 12 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Patient Portion9 ± 4.49 ± 0
PrimaryScore in Wound Healing From Surgery to 2 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Observer Portion

Patients return to the practice site at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after their initial visit to the Emergency Department and complete the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The assigned blinded observer also completes this survey. Scores are obtained from both the subject and observer at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) evaluates scars and consists of two 6-item, 10-point scales (1 = normal skin, 10 = worst scar imaginable) for both patients and observers. Scores for each scale range from 6 to 60, where higher scores indicate poorer scar quality. Both scales include an overall opinion item, which is not included in the sum score.

Time frame:
2 weeks post-laceration repair
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Score in Wound Healing From Surgery to 2 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Observer Portion
score on a scaleAbsorbable Surgical Gut SutureNon-absorbable Nylon Suture
Score in Wound Healing From Surgery to 2 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Observer Portion23 ± 10.522.5 ± 7.8
PrimaryScore in Wound Healing From Surgery 6 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Observer Portion

Patients return to the practice site at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after their initial visit to the Emergency Department and complete the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The assigned blinded observer also completes this survey. Scores are obtained from both the subject and observer at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) evaluates scars and consists of two 6-item, 10-point scales (1 = normal skin, 10 = worst scar imaginable) for both patients and observers. Scores for each scale range from 6 to 60, where higher scores indicate poorer scar quality. Both scales include an overall opinion item, which is not included in the sum score.

Time frame:
6 weeks post-laceration repair
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Score in Wound Healing From Surgery 6 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Observer Portion
score on a scaleAbsorbable Surgical Gut SutureNon-absorbable Nylon Suture
Score in Wound Healing From Surgery 6 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Observer Portion13.3 ± 7.5—
PrimaryScore in Wound Healing From Surgery 12 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Observer Portion

Patients return to the practice site at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after their initial visit to the Emergency Department and complete the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The assigned blinded observer also completes this survey. Scores are obtained from both the subject and observer at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. The Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) evaluates scars and consists of two 6-item, 10-point scales (1 = normal skin, 10 = worst scar imaginable) for both patients and observers. Scores for each scale range from 6 to 60, where higher scores indicate poorer scar quality. Both scales include an overall opinion item, which is not included in the sum score.

Time frame:
12 weeks post-laceration repair
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Score in Wound Healing From Surgery 12 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Observer Portion
score on a scaleAbsorbable Surgical Gut SutureNon-absorbable Nylon Suture
Score in Wound Healing From Surgery 12 Weeks Follow-up as Measured Using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS)-Observer Portion14.3 ± 13.612 ± 0
SecondaryPatient Reported Pain Using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 2-weeks

Patients return to the practice site at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after their initial visit to the Emergency Department and complete the VAS Analog Scale. The VAS is a validated, subjective tool for measuring pain intensity, typically consisting of a 10-cm (100-mm) horizontal line anchored by "no pain"(0) and "worst possible pain" (10). Adults mark their pain level on this line, and the distance from the left is measured to determine the score.

Time frame:
2 weeks post-laceration repair
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Patient Reported Pain Using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 2-weeks
score on a scaleAbsorbable Surgical Gut SutureNon-absorbable Nylon Suture
Patient Reported Pain Using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 2-weeks1.9 ± 0.82.8 ± 2.6
SecondaryPatient Reported Pain Using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 6-weeks

Patients return to the practice site at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after their initial visit to the Emergency Department and complete the VAS Analog Scale. The VAS is a validated, subjective tool for measuring pain intensity, typically consisting of a 10-cm (100-mm) horizontal line anchored by "no pain"(0) and "worst possible pain" (10). Adults mark their pain level on this line, and the distance from the left is measured to determine the score.

Time frame:
6 weeks post-laceration repair
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Patient Reported Pain Using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 6-weeks
score on a scaleAbsorbable Surgical Gut SutureNon-absorbable Nylon Suture
Patient Reported Pain Using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 6-weeks0.48 ± 0.6—
SecondaryPatient Reported Pain Using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 12-weeks

Patients return to the practice site at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks after their initial visit to the Emergency Department and complete the VAS Analog Scale. The VAS is a validated, subjective tool for measuring pain intensity, typically consisting of a 10-cm (100-mm) horizontal line anchored by "no pain"(0) and "worst possible pain" (10). Adults mark their pain level on this line, and the distance from the left is measured to determine the score.

Time frame:
12 weeks post-laceration repair
Reported as:
Mean · score on a scale
Patient Reported Pain Using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 12-weeks
score on a scaleAbsorbable Surgical Gut SutureNon-absorbable Nylon Suture
Patient Reported Pain Using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) at 12-weeks0.033 ± 0.061 ± 0

Adverse events

Collected over 12 weeks. Non-serious events are listed at a 0% frequency threshold.

Adverse event summary by group
GroupDeathsSeriousOther
Absorbable Surgical Gut Suture0/4 (0%)0/4 (0%)0/4 (0%)
Non-absorbable Nylon Suture0/2 (0%)0/2 (0%)0/2 (0%)

Baseline characteristics

Age, Categorical
Age, Categorical(Participants)Absorbable Surgical Gut SutureNon-absorbable Nylon SutureTotal
<=18 years000
Between 18 and 65 years123
>=65 years303
Sex: Female, Male
Sex: Female, Male(Participants)Absorbable Surgical Gut SutureNon-absorbable Nylon SutureTotal
Female213
Male213
Race and Ethnicity Not Collected
Race and Ethnicity Not Collected(Participants)Absorbable Surgical Gut SutureNon-absorbable Nylon SutureTotal
Count of participants——0
Region of Enrollment
Region of Enrollment(participants)Absorbable Surgical Gut SutureNon-absorbable Nylon SutureTotal
United States426
08

Study locations

1 site
  • Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
    Hershey, Pennsylvania 17033, United States
09

References and documents

Publications

  • Draaijers LJ, Tempelman FR, Botman YA, Tuinebreijer WE, Middelkoop E, Kreis RW, van Zuijlen PP. The patient and observer scar assessment scale: a reliable and feasible tool for scar evaluation. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2004 Jun;113(7):1960-5; discussion 1966-7. doi: 10.1097/01.prs.0000122207.28773.56. PubMed 15253184 ↗
  • Shetty PC, Dicksheet S, Scalea TM. Emergency department repair of hand lacerations using absorbable vicryl sutures. J Emerg Med. 1997 Sep-Oct;15(5):673-4. doi: 10.1016/s0736-4679(97)00147-9. PubMed 9348057 ↗
  • Kharwadkar N, Naique S, Molitor PJ. Prospective randomized trial comparing absorbable and non-absorbable sutures in open carpal tunnel release. J Hand Surg Br. 2005 Feb;30(1):92-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jhsb.2004.10.009. PubMed 15620502 ↗
  • Menovsky T, Bartels RH, van Lindert EL, Grotenhuis JA. Skin closure in carpal tunnel surgery: a prospective comparative study between nylon, polyglactin 910 and stainless steel sutures. Hand Surg. 2004 Jul;9(1):35-8. doi: 10.1142/s0218810404002017. PubMed 15368623 ↗
  • Erel E, Pleasance PI, Ahmed O, Hart NB. Absorbable versus non-absorbable suture in carpal tunnel decompression. J Hand Surg Br. 2001 Apr;26(2):157-8. doi: 10.1054/jhsb.2000.0545. PubMed 11281671 ↗
  • Hansen TB, Kirkeby L, Fisker H, Larsen K. Randomised controlled study of two different techniques of skin suture in endoscopic release of carpal tunnel. Scand J Plast Reconstr Surg Hand Surg. 2009;43(6):335-8. doi: 10.1080/02844310902955763. PubMed 19995253 ↗
  • Freshwater MF. Theopold C, Potter S, Dempsey M, O'Shaughnessy M. A randomised controlled trial of absorbable versus non-absorbable sutures for skin closure after open carpal tunnel release. J Hand Surg Eur. 2012; 37: 350-3. J Hand Surg Eur Vol. 2012 Sep;37(7):705; author reply 705-6. doi: 10.1177/1753193412454501. No abstract available. PubMed 22879647 ↗
  • Onyekwelu I, Yakkanti R, Protzer L, Pinkston CM, Tucker C, Seligson D. Surgical Wound Classification and Surgical Site Infections in the Orthopaedic Patient. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev. 2017 Jun 13;1(3):e022. doi: 10.5435/JAAOSGlobal-D-17-00022. eCollection 2017 Jun. PubMed 30211353 ↗

Study documents

PDFs hosted by the registry, ClinicalTrials.gov.

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

10

Timeline

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
ElapsedEstimatedEstimated, not yet reached

Ran from Aug 2022 to primary completion in Dec 2022, 3 months.

Results were first posted in Mar 2026, 3 years 2 months after primary completion.

How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.

Registered
Mar 7, 2022
First posted
Mar 16, 2022
StartActual
Aug 23, 2022
Primary completionActual
Dec 20, 2022
CompletionActual
Dec 20, 2022
Results first posted
Mar 17, 2026
Last update
Mar 17, 2026
What these dates mean
Start.
When the first participant enrolled; while estimated, when the study expects to open to recruitment.
Primary completion.
When the last participant was examined or treated to collect data for the study's main question, its primary outcome. A study that stopped early gives the date its data collection stopped.
Completion.
When the last participant's last visit took place, for every outcome, secondary ones and side effects included: the end of the study. Often later than primary completion, sometimes the same day.
Actual and Est.
Actual means the registry says the date has happened. Est. (estimated) is a date the sponsor plans or expects. It can still move, and the sponsor is expected to change it to actual once it has passed.
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Mar 17, 2026, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
11

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT05281666
Lead sponsor
Kenneth Taylor, M.D.
Responsible party
Kenneth Taylor, M.D. (Professor of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center) — Sponsor-investigator
First posted
Mar 16, 2022
Start date
Aug 23, 2022
Primary completion
Dec 20, 2022
Completion
Dec 20, 2022
Results posted
Mar 17, 2026
Last update
Mar 17, 2026

Study contacts

Kenneth Taylor, MD
principal investigator · Penn State Health Milton S Hershey Medical Center

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
Yes
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Not currently enrolling

This study is terminated, as verified in May 2025. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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Discussion

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