Background: Coaptive film (i.e., Steri-StripsTM) is an
adhesive tape used to replace sutures in wound closure. The
use of coaptive film for wound closure after long bone
fracture fixation has not been well documented in the
literature. Methods: The aim of this prospective, randomized controlled trial comparing coaptive film with sutures for wound closure after long bone fracture fixation was skin closure time, incidence of wound complications and scar width at 12 week follow-up. Forty-five patients underwent femur fracture fixation (22 patients’ wound closed with sutures, 23 with coaptive film). Results: The mean time for skin closure using coaptive film was 171.13 seconds compared to 437.27 seconds using suture. The mean wound
lengths in the coaptive film group and suture group were
187.65 mm and 196.73 mm, respectively. One patient in each
group had wound complications. Conclusion: Coaptive film
is a time-saving procedure for skin closure following long
bone fracture fixation. There is no difference in the incidence of wound complications and scar width between these two methods of skin closure.