The British Journal of Medicine concluded in an online review that nylon sutures in contrast to metal staples are a safer option after orthopedic surgery in terms of risk of infection.

The doctors at hospitals in Norfolk and Norwich Universities in England, investigated results of 6 trials in which either nylon stitches or staples were used to seal 683 wounds. The examination revealed that staples were thrice as likely to lead to infection in a superficial wound, and four times as likely after hip surgery.

The paper recommends against using staples for closing hip or knee surgery wounds after orthopedic procedures. However, it also calls for additional trials in the future so that the issue can reach a final and definitive conclusion.

Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Bijayendra Singh, shared in an accompanying editorial that these results are in keeping with evidence from other specialties. He dispelled the common belief that staples aid rapid skin closure by stating that the time saved is only 3-4 minutes.

Authors of the review suggest that doctors should exercise caution while using staples and its use in hip and knee surgeries should be frugal.