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.