Evaluation of running knotless barbed suture for capsular closure in primary total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis-a prospective randomized study

Aims This study was conducted to compare the barbed vs. traditional suture technique in capsular closure of total knee arthroplasty in terms of closure time, cost, needle prick injury, post-operative complication, blood loss and post-operative function. Patients and methods Eighty patients in a barbed suture group and 90 in a traditional group were enrolled in this prospective randomized study. Results Barbed suture was associated with 4.1 minutes (P < 0.001) faster closure. It was found to be cheaper in terms of direct material cost [30.4%]. Needle prick injury was found in 6.7% (P = 0.020) of cases in the traditional group. Blood loss, post-operative complication and post-operative function were comparable in both groups. Conclusion Barbed suture use in capsular closure of knee arthroplasty is an efficient and cost effective method, and recommended for use in the future.