Review of the physical and surgical technical properties of modern monofilament suture materials

This paper documents the differences among 8 monofile sutures in important functions such as linear tensile strength, bending stiffness, knot security and irreversible elongation. The results show that two materials (Prolene and Gore-Tex) do not seem to be as suitable as the other materials for long-term tensile loads. The lowest bending stiffness was that of Seralon. The highest knot security can already be reached with three loops of Novafil. Novafil has also got the highest maximal elongation. The knowledge of the different applications of suture materials tested in important practical functions, is the supposition to the right and secure use of suture materials.     

Physical properties of surgical suture materials: Stress-strain relationship, stress-relaxation and irreversible elongation.

The stress-strain relationship, the stress-relaxation and the irreversible elongation of different suture materials were investigated. It was found that the distensibility of the fibers varied greatly. Most fibers were found to be chiefly elastic but some fibers were elastic when a moderate load was applied and plastic when the load increased. Some fibers, especially Prolene, were plastic also when moderate load was applied. The importance of information concerning these and other physical properties of surgical suture material is pointed out. In the future, surgeons will not have to accept suture materials with unknown physical properties but will demand fibers with defined properties for every purpose.     

Tendon suture: surgical techniques

Tendon sutures belong to the bases of surgical activity. Particularly in the last decades these sutures experienced a substantial upswing by the introduction of new techniques and materials. Target is to reestablish the tendon function. In order to achieve this target, it requires knowledge of tendon healing. An outline of suture materials, in particular specific suture techniques as well as the subsequent treatment is given. With different localizations of the tendon lesions one deals.