Utility of Shoelace Technique in Closure Of Fasciotomy Wounds in Electric Burns

Abstract

Fasciotomy is indicated to relieve compartment syndrome caused by electric burns. Many techniques are available to close the fasciotomy wounds including vacuum-assisted closure, skin grafting and healing by secondary intention. This study evaluated the shoelace technique in fasciotomy wound closure in patients of electric burns. The study included 19 fasciotomy wounds which were treated by shoelace technique (Group ST, n=10 fasciotomy wounds) or by skin grafting/healing by secondary intention (Group C, n=9 fasciotomy wounds). Data were collected for wound surface area, time to intervention, time to wound closure, rate of decrease in wound surface area after application of shoelace technique and associated complications. The mean time to intervention after fasciotomy was significantly lower in Group ST - 7.6 ± 3.8 days as compared to 15.8 ± 5.3 days in Group C (p=0.004). The median time to closure was also significantly lower in Group ST - 7 days (Range 6-10) as compared to Group C - 20 days (Range 12-48) (p < 0.001). The rate of primary closure in Group ST was 80%. There were no complications noted in group ST. The shoelace technique is an economical, fast and effective method of fasciotomy wound closure in electric burns, especially in high volume centres and resource limited areas.