Shoelace technique for gradual closure of fasciotomy wounds.

BACKGROUND: After emergency fasciotomy in acute compartment syndrome, skin graft techniques are usually necessary to cover the wound.

METHODS: The shoelace technique for gradual skin closure was retrospectively analyzed after having been applied in 20 patients with acute compartment syndrome.

RESULTS: With the application of this technique, none of the cases required new surgical interventions to close the wound. Closure was reached in an average time of 8.8 days, with an average hospital stay of 10 days and a low rate of complications.

CONCLUSIONS: Gradual skin closure using the shoelace technique avoids the use of free skin grafts to close the dermotomy-fasciotomy wounds, reducing the need for anesthesia, nursing care, and hospital stays of patients, resulting in lower healthcare costs.