What suture is used for finger laceration?

Suture (brand names) Site Tensile strength
Chromic gut Scalp Fingertip and nailbed Laceration under cast or splint Fair
Deep (subcutaneous) closure
Polyglactin (Vicryl) Any Good
Poliglecaprone 25 (Monocryl) Any Fair

What size suture do you use on a finger?

Consider different needle types. There is a big difference between the size of PS-3 and FS-2 reverse cutting needles. Both of these are available with 5-0 Prolene and Ethilon sutures, which are great for finger repairs.

How long after finger laceration can you suture?

Most wounds that require closure should be stitched, stapled, or closed with skin adhesives (also called liquid stitches) within 6 to 8 hours after the injury. Some wounds that require treatment can be closed as long as 24 hours after the injury.

Can you suture fingers?

With the development of the TLC™ system, there is no good argument for suturing small, uncomplicated finger lacerations. Sutures provide no clinical benefit, they increase pain and infection, and once you place that first suture, a follow up visit is required.

How do you treat a finger laceration?

Follow these steps to properly care for your injury:

  1. Clean the wound. Gently clean the cut by wiping away blood or dirt with little water and diluted antibacterial liquid soap.
  2. Treat with antibiotic ointment.
  3. Cover the wound.
  4. Elevate the finger.
  5. Apply pressure.

How do you treat a deep cut finger with stitches?

After the first 24 to 48 hours, wash around the cut with clean water 2 times a day. Don’t use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, which can slow healing. You may cover the cut with a thin layer of petroleum jelly, such as Vaseline, and a non-stick bandage. Apply more petroleum jelly and replace the bandage as needed.

Why can’t you get stitches after 24 hours?

Your body starts the healing process right away, and if you wait too long to get stitches, it will be more difficult to heal. Leaving a wound open too long also increases your risk of infection. As a rule, try to get stitches within 6 to 8 hours of a cut. In some cases, you may be able to wait up to 12 to 24 hours.

How do you close a finger laceration?

Suturing is the preferred technique for skin laceration repair. Tissue adhesives are comparable with sutures in cosmetic results, dehiscence rates, and infection risk. Applying white petrolatum to a sterile wound to promote wound healing is as effective as applying an antibiotic ointment.

What is the difference between a laceration and a cut?

The words “cut” and “laceration” are often interchangeable. Both words indicate that your skin has been damaged by a sharp object, like a knife or shard of glass. In most cases, the wound will bleed. However, a cut is usually referred to as being a minor wound while a laceration is often more serious.

Which suturing techniques are used in the treatment of lacerations?

Physicians should be familiar with various suturing techniques, including simple, running, and half-buried mattress (corner) sutures. Although suturing is the preferred method for laceration repair, tissue adhesives are similar in patient satisfaction, infection rates, and scarring risk in low skin-tension areas and may be more cost-effective.

How long does it take for stitches to close a laceration?

Suturing is the preferred technique for laceration repair. 5 Absorbable sutures, such as polyglactin 910 (Vicryl), polyglycolic acid (Dexon), and poliglecaprone 25 (Monocryl), are used to close deep, multiple-layer lacerations. Although these sutures absorb at varying rates, they all usually absorb within four to eight weeks.

When should sutures be removed after a laceration repair?

Timing of suture removal depends on location and is based on expert opinion and experience. The goals of laceration repair are to achieve hemostasis and optimal cosmetic results without increasing the risk of infection.

What size suture do you use for a scalp laceration?

In general, a 3–0 or 4–0 suture is appropriate on the trunk, 4–0 or 5–0 on the extremities and scalp, and 5–0 or 6–0 on the face. Blue-colored sutures may be beneficial for scalp lacerations in appropriate populations to differentiate the suture from the hair.