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Objective: To compare the cosmetic outcome, pain and tenderness around the operation scar of carpal tunnel syndrome surgery using either nylon, polyglactin 910 or stainless steel sutures for skin closure. Methods: A randomised clinical trial comparing nylon, polyglactin 910 or stainless steel sutures for skin closure in 61 patients undergoing carpal tunnel syndrome surgery was performed. Pain, tenderness, scar hypertrophy, redness and the presence of granulomas were assessed in all patients at ten days and six weeks after surgery and compared by non-parametric statistical tests. Results: Adequate surgical decompression of the median nerve could be achieved in all patients. All but two patients experienced significant relief of tingling of the fingers. Nearly all patients reported some degree of discomfort around the scar. At ten days, the mean pain score was 1.7 (±2.2), 3.1 (±2.3) and 1.9 (±2.3) for the nylon, vicryl and steel groups, respectively. At six weeks, the pain score was 3.6 (±3.1), 3.4 (±2.6) and 2.7 (±2.1) for the nylon, vicryl and steel groups, respectively. The infection rate was 0%, 8% and 0% for the nylon, vicryl and steel groups, respectively. Suture granulomas were significantly more present in the vicryl group (p<0.05). There were no statistical differences in redness or hypertrophy of the wound between the three groups. Conclusions: Nylon and stainless steel sutures are both suitable for skin closure after carpal tunnel surgery. Based on this study, absorbable vicryl sutures should not be used, since the incidence of infections and the presence of suture granulomas was much higher than in the nylon and steel suture groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]