title: A portable tensiometer for assessing knot-tying technique.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of orthopedic surgeons' tying techniques on knot security using 2-0 and 4-0 monofilament and multifilament nylon sutures. Using an Instron Tensile Tester and a portable tensiometer, knot security was achieved with these sutures using four-throw square knots (1 = 1 = 1 = 1). After didactic and psychomotor skill training, medical students were taught to construct the four-throw square knot using either a two-hand tie or an instrument tie. Using the portable tensiometer, their knot-tying techniques were judged to be superior to those used by orthopedic surgeons. The orthopedic surgeon's faculty technique can easily be corrected by didactic information and psychomotor skill training.
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville 22908, USA.
authors.forename: D A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Franz
authors.forename: E K
authors.initials: EK
authors.lastname: Batra
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Morgan
authors.forename: R F
authors.initials: RF
authors.lastname: Edlich
mesh_terms: D002983:Clinical Competence; D006801:Humans; D009985:Orthopedics; D011786:Quality Control; D013337:Students, Medical; D013536:Suture Techniques