title: An evaluation of suture materials used in tendon surgery.
abstract: The following suture materials have been evaluated for their suitability for use in flexor tendon repairs: 4/0 gauge monofilament and multifilament stainless steel, mono-filament nylon, monofilament polypropylene, monofilament polybutestor, braided polyester, braided polyglycolic acid and a monofilament polyglyconate. These were investigated for their tensile strength (both knotted and unknotted), their extension to failure and knot-holding properties. Stainless steel and monofilament polyglyconate appeared to be the most suitable in that they had high tensile strengths, both knotted and unknotted, and had good knot-holding security. The only disadvantages are that stainless steel is difficult to use and monofilament polyglyconate is absorbable. Polypropylene and braided polyester, although having lower tensile strengths, are reasonable alternatives.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Hope Hospital, Salford.
authors.forename: I A
authors.initials: IA
authors.lastname: Trail
authors.forename: E S
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Powell
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Noble
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures; D013710:Tendons / Q000601:surgery*; D013718:Tensile Strength