Interventions
tetanus, trauma
TETANUS
The intervention arm received antimicrobial sutures produced by Ethicon (for example, Monocryl Plus, PDS Plus). Antimicrobial sutures could be deployed alone or in combination with standard sutures, and for any part of the operation (for example, deep structural repair, skin closure). The control arm received standard, non-antimicrobial sutures of any kind as per standard practice at each site. Participants received usual pre-, peri- and postoperative care according to site routine practice. Standard care usually involves basic initial wound care (wound washout, application of a dressing, elevation in a sling, tetanus prophylaxis). Prophylactic antibiotics are often prescribed perioperatively, although this can be variable. Usual care data were recorded to inform feasibility of future antimicrobial studies in hand trauma and no co-interventions were prohibited.