Clinical Research Studies

The purpose of this research study is to compare the differences between two surgical closure techniques by looking at closure time and all post-operative wound complications. Traditional sutures (used approximately 75% of the time at NYU). This method involves closing the wound one stitch at a time starting at the skin layer closest to the bone. Each layer is closed using different sutures but a similar technique. Barbed sutures (used approximately 25% at NYU). This is a newer method and involves using one suture that has little spikes sticking out and is supposed to create a better seal of the wound. The closing method also involves starting at the layer closest to the bone and working towards the outermost layer of the skin.