Stitches and Staples

Stitches and staples are used to hold tissues together so that they will heal. Different tissues require different materials and thicknesses of material to hold them.

Absorbable Sutures
Absorbable sutures are made of a material that will dissolve over 3 – 5 months. They are put in with a needle. Examples that I use are Vicryl and Chomic Gut. I use these stitches for most of the wound closure underneath the skin. Most absorbable sutures will cause a reaction if they go through the skin. Occasionally an absorbable suture just under the skin will cause a tiny area of infection, a stitch abscess. These can be relieved by removing the stitch.

Non-Absorbable Sutures
Non-Absorbable sutures, on the other hand, are made of material that will not break down in your body. These are also sewn in with a needle. These are used to close the most superficial level of the wound, the skin. These must be taken out of the skin, usually after 7 – 14 days. They are also used to repair tendon injuries, or ankle ligaments that are sewn back into bone. I use Nylon, Prolene and FiberWire non-absorbable sutures.

Skin Staples
Skin Staples are little metal clips that can be used to close the skin instead of non-absorbable sutures. There is a device that puts them in, bending the little pieces of metal to hold the edges of the skin together. Another device is used to remove them – it unbends the staple and pulls the ends out with one smooth motion.

Steri-Strips
Steri-Strips are little pieces of tape that are used like a “butterfly”. They have tiny fibers running through them, so they are strong. The adhesive backing will usually keep the steri-strip in place for many days. They will usually come off on their own. It is okay to bathe your foot with steri-strips on, they will not come off unless you rub firmly about them.

Stitch or Staple Removal
The skin stitches or staples are unusually taken out at the first post-operative visit, 7 – 10 days after surgery. I will first wash your foot or ankle to clean it. Most people get very concerned about removing them, but they usually come out quickly and without much discomfort. If you are concerned, you may wish to take a pain pill before coming in to that visit.

After the stitches or staples are removed, I will put Steri-Strips over the wound to ensure that the edges stay together.