PURPOSE. To compare 2 methods of wound closure—metallic staples or 3-0 undyed vicryl—according to postoperative wound complication rates.

METHODS. Patients who underwent surgery for proximal femoral fractures were randomised to have wound closure with metallic staples or with subcuticular vicryl suture. Wounds were regularly examined postoperatively and only those with positive wound swabs were regarded as wound infections.

RESULTS. Five infections and one superficial wound dehiscence occurred in the patients who had wound closure with metallic staples. The complication rate was significantly higher for this group compared with the group who had wound closure with subcuticular vicryl suture (p<0.025).

CONCLUSION. Superficial wound complication rates are higher for wounds closed with metallic staples compared to wounds closed with subcuticular vicryl.