Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
ID06288009

Outcomes of Running Locking Suture vs Standard Running Suture in Surgical Wounds: a Randomized Evaluator-blinded Split-wound Comparative Effectiveness Trial

Led by University of California, Davis · Updated on 2025-12-05

50

Participants Needed

1

Research Sites

8 weeks

Total Duration

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AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to compare two different suturing techniques used to close surgical wounds on the head and face to find out which method results in less scarring. Scarring is an unavoidable outcome after skin surgery, and doctors continuously seek ways to improve the look of scars. This study focuses on evaluating the running locking suture technique against the standard running suture to see if the locking method offers better healing and cosmetic results. Participants undergoing cutaneous surgery on the head or neck will have their wounds closed in two layers. The lower tissue layer will receive standard stitches, while the top skin layer will be closed using two different methods: one half with running locking sutures and the other half with standard running sutures. The side that receives each technique will be randomly assigned to allow direct comparison within the same wound. This split-wound design helps control individual healing differences. During the study, participants will be monitored for scar appearance and healing complications up to three months after surgery. Researchers will assess scars using the Patient Observer Scar Assessment Score (POSAS) and will also measure scar width. They will track any complications or side effects from the suturing methods. Participants are expected to return for follow-up visits to allow these evaluations. The study is led by the University of California, Davis, and participation will last approximately three months after surgery.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Outcomes of Running Locking Suture vs Standard Running Suture in Surgical Wounds

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +
All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible

You may qualify if you...

  • 18 years of age or older
  • Able to give informed consent themselves
  • Patient scheduled for cutaneous surgical procedure on the head or neck with predicted primary closure
  • Willing to return for follow up visit
Not Eligible

You will not qualify if you...

  • Incarceration
  • Under 18 years of age
  • Pregnant Women
  • Unable to understand written and oral English
  • Wounds with predicted closure length less than 3cm

AI-Screening

AI-Powered Screening

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Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person)

Surgery

Duration - Day of surgery

Participants undergo a cutaneous surgical procedure where the wound is closed using two different suturing techniques on each half of the wound.

1 visit (in-person)

Post-operative Follow-up

Duration - Up to 3 months

Participants return to assess scar formation, scar width, and any complications or adverse events from the suturing techniques.

1 follow-up visit approximately 3 months after surgery

Trial Site Locations

Total: 1 location

1

University of California, Davis - Dermatology Department

Sacramento, California, United States, 95816

Actively Recruiting

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Research Team

J

John Robb, BS, BA

K

Keemberly Kim, MD

How is the study designed?

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Masking

SINGLE

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Model

PARALLEL

Primary Purpose

OTHER

Number of Arms

2

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Published Research Related To This Trial