Experimental in vitro studies of the stability of tendon sutures]

In early mobilization tendon sutures must perform a sufficient stability. For the examination of a suture under tension tendons of cows with 4 to 6 mm diameter were taken as specimen. They were divided and then sutured with the techniques of Kirchmayr, of Lange and of Dychno-Bunnell. We used the resorbable Polydioxanon-Suture (PDS) and the non-resorbable Polypropylene-Suture (PPS) in 3-0, 4-0 and 5-0 of cross diameter (USP). Breaking-strength, elongation of the suture, the absorbed strength until a gap is developing and the extent of the gaps at their maximum were measured. The results recommend the suture techniques of Dychno-Bunnell and of Lange with 4-0 and 5-0 PDS as sufficient stable for early mobilization.