No need to suture uncomplicated hand lacerations

Uncomplicated lacerations of the hand don’t need to be sutured, according to the results of a recent trial.

Of 154 patients at the emergency department with simple hand lacerations of less than 2 cm that would normally be sutured, 91 were enrolled into the study and received either sutures or conservative treatment.

Results showed that the conservatively managed group had less pain than did the sutured group. In both groups, the mean time to resume normal activities was 3.4 days (BMJ, 2002; 325: 299-300).