title: Basic suture materials and suturing techniques.
abstract: There is a need for surgeons to be able to make a logical decision regarding which suture materials to use in a given clinical situation because the choice of wound-closure materials may make a difference in wound healing and the ultimate functional and cosmetic result obtained. This article will review the basic physical, handling, and tissue-reaction characteristics of commonly used suture materials. Basic suturing techniques are also reviewed. Knowledge of multiple suturing techniques provides versatility, individuality, and optimal closure of surgical wounds.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical Center, Ann Arbor.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ratner
authors.forename: B R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: T M
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Johnson
mesh_terms: D000042:Absorption; D003880:Dermatology / Q000295:instrumentation; D004867:Equipment Design; D019476:Insect Proteins; D009339:Needles; D009757:Nylons; D016687:Polydioxanone; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011098:Polyglactin 910; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011506:Proteins; D047011:Silk; D017792:Surgical Stapling / Q000295:instrumentation; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation; D013537:Sutures
chemical_list: D019476:Insect Proteins; D009757:Nylons; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011126:Polypropylenes; D011506:Proteins; D047011:Silk; C025539:Lavsan; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D016687:Polydioxanone; D011098:Polyglactin 910