Do zip-type skin-closing devices show better wound status compared to conventional staple devices in total knee arthroplasty?

This study compared the pain score, cosmetic outcome and wound complication rate between zip-type skin-closing device and conventional staple device. Forty-five subjects with zip-type skin-closing device (the zip group) and 45 subjects with the conventional staple device (the staple group) after total knee arthroplasty were compared. Visual analogue scale score was significantly higher on postoperative (PO) 1, 3, 14 day (D) in the staple group compared to the zip group (P < 0·05). The Vancouver scar score was significantly better in the zip group compared to that of the staple group (4·6 ± 0·7 versus 6·9 ± 1·3, P = 0·043) on PO 90D. There was no significant wound complication rate between the two groups. The zip-type skin-closing device showed less pain PO 14D, especially during dressing and removal of the device, and better cosmetic outcome 3 months after surgeries. Surgeons may consider using the zip-type skin-closing device for patients who want less pain and better cosmetic outcome.