Evaluation of Hypersensitivity Reactions to Silk Fibroin Versus 2-octyl Cyanoacrylate Mesh in Shoulder Surgery

Multiple studies have demonstrated allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) to the Dermabond PRINEO skin closure system (Ethicon, Sommerville, NJ) that utilizes a 2-octyl cyanoacrylate liquid adhesive with a polyester mesh. This dressing is commonly applied after total hip (THA), total knee (TKA), and total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA) as an alternative or adjunct to staples or a subcuticular suture. However, 2-octyl cyanoacrylate mesh is documented to cause an allergic hypersensitivity reaction in 4-5% of patients. Risk factors include a documented contact allergy to medical adhesives and sensitization to 2-octyl cyanoacrylate mesh from a prior surgery. While this ACD generally resolves with dressing removal, corticosteroids, and observation, there are reports of severe reactions to Dermabond PRINEO requiring wound debridement and skin grafting. Despite this complication, Dermabond PRINEO is still one of the most commonly used postoperative dressings in orthopedic surgery. A silk fibroin (SYLKE, La Jolla, CA) dressing has recently been developed as an alternative surgical wound dressing. Two retrospective studies have evaluated the silk dressing compared to cyanoacrylate mesh after THA/TKA. Aastroem et al and Moo Young et al both demonstrated a 0% incidence of ACD with the use of a silk dressing. There is currently no additional evidence to support the use of silk fibroin dressings in orthopedic surgery outside of the total hip and knee literature. Our study will be a randomized controlled trial to prospectively evaluate hypersensitivity reactions to silk fibroin and 2-octyl cyanoacrylate mesh dressings in open shoulder surgery.

Inclusion criteria

• open shoulder procedure with Dr. James Gregory or Dr. Robert Fullick.

Exclusion criteria

• Prior documented medical adhesive contact allergy.
• Negative pressure wound dressings.
• Any procedure involving a wound problem at the planned surgical site.