The Use of Vessel Loop Shoelace Technique for Closure of Wound Dehiscence Caused by Dural Tears Associated with Distractive Flexion Injury of Cervical Spine

ABSTRACT

STUDY DESIGN: A case report. OBJECTIVES: To report the use of the shoelace technique for treatment of wound dehiscence caused by dural tears. SUMMARY OF LITERATURE REVIEW It is difficult to treat wound dehiscence caused by dural tears, as it can lead to infection, loss of soft tissue, and need for a long hospital stay. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An 18-year-old male who had been injured in a traffic accident was diagnosed with bilateral facet dislocation of C7-T1, with no neurologic deficit. Clear secretion appeared during the operation, but it disappeared after posterior fusion. The wound began to open about 3 weeks after the operation. We used the vessel loop shoelace technique to suture the wound. RESULTS: The patient had the stitches taken out in the outpatient clinic three weeks after suture. His wounds are healing without complication. CONCLUSIONS: The vessel loop shoelace technique may be a useful treatment for wound dehiscence caused by dural tears.