Dissolvable Stitches in Trigger Finger Surgery:
What the Evidence Says

I regularly review newly published, high-quality medical research and share patient-focused summaries explaining what the evidence means in everyday practice. These updates are intended to support informed discussions and shared decision-making, while recognising that treatment should always be tailored to the individual.

At the heart of my practice is Shared Decision-Making. Whether we pursue conservative management (Plan A) or surgical intervention (Plan B), the goal is to create a tailored treatment plan that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and functional goals.

Prepared by:

Prof. Bijay Singh

Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon - Upper Limb, Trauma & Sports Injury

Shoulder | Elbow | Wrist | Hand

Visiting Professor Canterbury Christchurch University & AIIMS Raipur

Private Practice Manager

Kim White

Phone: 07361895875

Email: kim.white@kims.org.uk

NHS Appointments:

Spire Alexandra Hospital: 01634 – 687166

Medway NHS Trust: 01634 – 976749

One of the most frequent questions we receive before a Trigger Finger (A1 Pulley) release is about the "stitches." Patients often wonder if dissolvable (absorbable) stitches are as good as the traditional ones that require removal at a follow-up appointment. The Evidence: Kim et al. (2023) A recent Randomized Controlled Trial published in the journal Hand (November 2023) set out to answer this question. They compared 41 patients undergoing A1 pulley release, randomized to either absorbable or non-absorbable sutures. What the Study Found: The researchers looked at scar quality, pain levels (VAS), and hand disability scores (DASH) at 2, 6, and 12 weeks post-surgery.

• No Difference in Scars:There were no significant differences in how the scars looked to either the patients or the clinical observers.
• Functional Equivalence:Hand function and pain scores were virtually identical in both groups.
• Complication Rates:There were no significant differences in overall complication rates. While non-absorbable stitches carry no inflammatory risk, absorbable stitches offer the significant advantage of not needing a removal appointment.

Clinical Commentary At Kent Orthopaedic Practice, our goal is to make the surgical journey as smooth as possible. Traditionally, non-absorbable sutures were favoured because they are inert, but they require the patient to return to the clinic specifically for removal—which can be inconvenient for those with busy schedules.As this study confirms, absorbable sutures are a safe and effective alternative. They provide the same high-quality aesthetic result without the need for an extra trip to the clinic. I prefer to use non absorbable sutures but happy to go with patient choice.

Key Takeaways for Patients:

1. Equal Results:Both types of stitches lead to excellent healing and scar quality.
2. Convenience:Dissolvable stitches may mean one less appointment in your recovery journey.
3. Personalized Choice:We guide you based on your specific needs and skin type