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The Effect of Knotting Method on the Structural Properties of Large Diameter Nonabsorbable Monofilament Sutures
Author(s) -
Huber Douglas J.,
Egger Erick L.,
James Susan P.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
veterinary surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1532-950X
pISSN - 0161-3499
DOI - 10.1053/jvet.1999.0260
Subject(s) - knot (papermaking) , stiffness , medicine , suture line , polypropylene , composite material , knot tying , clamping , surgery , materials science , mechanical engineering , engineering
Objective— To evaluate the effect of knotting method on the mechanical properties of large diameter nonabsorbable monofilament suture materials. Study Design— In vitro mechanical evaluation. Methods— A conventional square knot was compared with the surgeon's knot, sliding half‐hitch, and clamped square knot. Knotted suture loops were created in a uniform manner and acutely tensioned to failure (20 mm/min loading rate; n = 20 per knot type for each material). Stiffness, yield, and failure characteristics of USP #2 nylon, #2 polybutester, #2 polypropylene, 27 kg test monofilament nylon fishing line, and 27 kg nylon leader material were evaluated. Results— Compared with a conventional square knot, a surgeon's knot decreased stiffness for #2 polypropylene, 27 kg fishing line, and 27 kg leader ( P < .05 ). A sliding half‐hitch weakened all materials except 27 kg leader ( P < .05 ). Clamping the first throw of a square knot increased the stiffness of 27 kg leader loops ( P < .05 ). Conclusions— Based on clinically relevant parameters (stiffness and yield), knotting method had no effect on #2 nylon and #2 polybutester. The surgeon's knot is not recommended for #2 polypropylene and 27 kg fishing line and leader material. A sliding half‐hitch decreased the yield of leader material. Clamping the first throw of a square knot had no adverse effects on acute properties of tested materials; it increased the stiffness for leader material. Clinical Relevance— Knotting method does influence the structural properties of suture materials and should be considered when tying knots under tension.