Comparison of 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-octyl cyanoacrylate topical skin adhesives for wound closure after ankle fracture surgery: a prospective randomized trial

To date, only a few clinical studies have investigated the differences between 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-octyl cyanoacrylate topical skin adhesives (TSAs). This study aimed to compare the outcomes of the two TSAs for wound closure after ankle fracture surgeries. Fifty-six patients were randomized to receive either a 2-octyl or n-octyl cyanoacrylate TSA. At 3 and 6 months after surgery, wound cosmetic outcomes were assessed using the Hollander Wound Evaluation Scale (HWES), and patient satisfaction for wound cosmesis was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) and 5-item Likert scale. Functional outcomes at 6 months after surgery were assessed using the Olerud–Molander Ankle Score (OMAS). Fifty-five patients completed the study protocol. Within the follow-up period, no differences were found between the two groups in terms of HWES, VAS, 5-item Likert scale, and OMAS. 2-octyl cyanoacrylate TSA and n-octyl cyanoacrylate TSA were comparable options for wound closure after ankle fracture surgeries in terms of wound cosmesis, patient satisfaction, and functional outcome.