Scalp Closures With Pulley Sutures Reduce Time and Cost Compared to Traditional Layered Technique-A Prospective, Randomized, Observer-Blinded Study

Abstract

Background: Reconstruction of postsurgical scalp defects can be difficult and time-consuming using a conventional bilayered technique. A specialized closure using a pulley suture can assist in closing wounds under high tension and can decrease time and cost for the surgeon.

Objective: To determine if closing scalp defects with a single-layered closure using pulley sutures would result in decreased time but equivalent scar cosmesis compared to bilayered closures.

Materials and methods: A total of 21 patients with postsurgical scalp defects were randomized to a bilayered or a pulley group, and time was measured for each closure. Scar appearance was assessed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months postsurgery. Before and after photographs were also assessed by a blinded dermatologist using the visual analog scale.

Results: Compared to a bilayered closure, the pulley technique resulted in significantly reduced closure time (p < .001). Even though patient overall scores at 2 weeks and observer total score at 6 months were superior in the pulley group, the visual analog scale scores were similar between the 2 groups.

Conclusion: Scalp reconstructions using a single layer of pulley sutures result in time and cost reduction and similar scar appearance compared to bilayered closures.