Vol. 7, Issue 2, Part A (2023)

Abstract: Unsafe injections are a major burden of death and disability among healthcare workers. This study aimed to determine if Operative Armour, a device that reduces the passage of exposed needles, is an effective tool to reduce wound closure time. Orthopaedic foot and ankle fellows performed surgical wound closure of cadaveric specimens. Group A had a traditional suture passing technique involving a technologist, while Group B had Operative Armour without the presence of a technologist. Average number of suture passes for anterior incisions was greater in Group A (52+8.9) than Group B (5.3+0.7), p<0.05. Closure time anteriorly was also greater in Group A than Group B, at 16:51+0.2 minutes and 16:13+0.1 minutes, respectively. Among posterior approaches, Group A (48+0.0) had more suture passes than Group B (5+0.0), p<0.05. Closure was faster in Group A (16:18+0.2 minutes) than Group B (16:53+0.1 minutes). Overall, there was no significant difference in time to wound closure between the technologist and Operative Armour. However, Operative Armour fills a need by reducing reliance for suture passing, thus creating a safe neutral zone and also increasing the efficiency of the operation.