| Abstract: | The results of this study have provided an insight into the behavior of sutures in the environment of fluids. It has been shown that friction could both increase or decrease with lubrication, depending upon the nature of the application. In tests on straight sutures, lubricants have generally led to an increase in friction. This was found in the present investigation as well as in another study which measured friction in sutures soaked in serum. These results are explained on the basis that higher friction is expected to arise if the lubricant formed a multilayer film between the sliding surfaces. In this instance, the resistance to shear flow by the lubricant becomes the governing factor. On the other hand, if only a small amount of lubricant, such as a monolayer film, is present between surfaces, as expected within the structure of a snugged surgical knot, the lubricant may play the role of decreasing adhesion and, thus, friction. |
