A comparison of patient experience with and preference for absorbable and unabsorbable suture for skin closure following carpal tunnel release surgery.

INTERVENTION: skin closure following bilateral carpal tunnel release surgery using either absorbable (Vicryl Rapide) or non‐absorbable (Proline) suture material. Surgery to be performed by a Registered Orthopedic Surgeon with 40 years' experience. Duration 30 minutes including consent, procedure, post‐op instructions and follow‐up arrangements. Each patient will receive both sutures or "treatments", one type of suture in each hand with the suture in the first hand randomised. A data base will be kept to check 2 and 6 week assessments are performed, patients with incomplete data will be excluded. CONDITION: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; ; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Musculoskeletal ‐ Other muscular and skeletal disorders Neurological ‐ Other neurological disorders Surgery ‐ Surgical techniques PRIMARY OUTCOME: Preferred suture material asked whether they preferred the suture used on the left or right hand.[6 weeks post‐surgery ] SECONDARY OUTCOME: 1‐10 point Likert pain scores between the two hands.[2 and 6 weeks post‐surgery.] A difference between the POSAS scar score between the two sutures ; Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Tool ; (POSAS)[6 weeks post‐surgery. ] A difference in the ASEPSIS wound score between the two hands. ; A (Additional treatment for example addition of antibiotics) ; S (Serous discharge) ; E (Erythema) ; P (Purulet exudates) ; S (Separation of deep tissues) ; I (Isolation of bacteria) ; S (Stay in hospital prolonged over 14 days) ; (ASEPSIS) ; ; [2 weeks post‐surgery] A difference in the BCTQ (Boston Carpal Tunnel Questionnaire) which has a SSS (Symptom severity scale) and FSS (Functional status score) between the two hands. ; Prior to surgery, 2 weeks post‐op and 6 weeks post‐surgery.[prior to surgery and at 2 and 6 weeks post‐surgery.] Any complications to be assessed by clinical examination.[At any point post operatively to si Xweeks] INCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients undergoing bilateral carpal tunnel surgery for an established diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome.