Skin closure after arthroscopy utilizing a pull-out bow-tie subcuticular suture

Background: suturing techniques employed to close subcuticular surgical incisions are varied. Purpose: we present the “bow-tie” stitch, which is removed by pulling one side of the stitch with no need for sharp object stitch cutting. The stitch results in good approximation and scarring while enabling proper oozingMethods: we have used this suture repeatedly for wound closure after hip and knee arthroscopy; its application to other superficial skin closures is easily appreciatedResults: this method of skin closure allows for ease of tying for the surgeon, aesthetically pleasing results for the patient, pain-free suture removal, no risk of suture knots becoming embedded in healing tissue, and decreased risk of infection and damage to skin, as instruments are not required for suture removal.