Methodology: 4/5
Usefulness: 3.5/5
Zwaans JJM, et al. Emerg Med J. 2022 Sep;39(9):650-654.
Question and Methods: This study assessed non-inferiority between sterile and non-sterile technique for traumatic lacerations requiring EM-physician suture repair using a 2% margin.
Findings: Infection rate for non-sterile technique (5.7% (95% CI 4.0% to 7.5%)) was non-inferior compared to sterile (6.8% (95% CI 5.1% to 8.8%)); mean difference: -1.1% (95% CI −3.7% to 1.5%).
Limitations: Every patient had skin disinfected with chlorohexidine which is not everyone’s clinical practice.
Interpretation: The study was not underpowered due to upper bound CI in mean difference <2. There is no difference in infection rate between the two techniques.
By: Dr. Tetyana Maniuk
JC Supervisor: Dr. Christian Vaillancourt
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Dr. Tetyana Maniuk is a FRCPC Emergency medicine physician, having completed her resident at the University of Ottawa, Department of Emergency Medicine.
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Dr. Rosenberg is an emergency physician at the Ottawa Hospital, associate professor at the University of Ottawa, and Director of the Digital Scholarship and Knowledge Dissemination Program.
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Senior Scientist, Clinical Epidemiology Program
Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
Full Professor, Emergency Medicine
University of Ottawa
Research Chair in Emergency Cardiac Resuscitation, Emergency Medicine
University of Ottawa
Associate Medical Director, Regional Paramedic Program for Eastern Ontario
Research Interests:
Dr. Vaillancourt's current research program focuses on pre-hospital care, specifically improving care and survival for cardiac arrest and trauma victims.
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