title: The effect of knot location, suture material, and suture size on the gliding resistance of flexor tendons.
abstract: The effect of knot location, suture material, and suture size on gliding resistance between the pulley and flexor tendon was investigated in a canine model. Different suture materials [monofilament nylon (Ethilon), braided polyester suture coated with silicone (Ticron) and uncoated braided polyester suture (Mersilene)] and suture sizes (4-0, 5-0) were tested. A knot was made on either the volar surface, on one lateral side, or on both lateral sides of canine hind-paw tendons, and gliding resistance was measured. In addition, the frictional coefficient between three suture materials (4-0 nylon, 4-0 Ticron, 4-0 Mersilene) and a nylon rod were measured. The gliding resistance of the tendon with knots on both sides was highest, while tendons with one lateral knot had the lowest resistance (p < 0.01). The gliding resistance of 4-0 suture size was higher than that of 5-0 size (p < 0.0001). The coefficient of friction of nylon was lower than that of braided polyester suture (Ticron or Mersilene) (p < 0.001). The placement of knots and choice of suture material affect gliding resistance after tendon repair, and may, therefore, have an effect on the result of tendon repair.
authors.affiliation: Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Momose
authors.forename: P C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Amadio
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zhao
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Zobitz
authors.forename: K N
authors.initials: KN
authors.lastname: An
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004285:Dogs; D017276:Friction; D008954:Models, Biological; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures; D013710:Tendons / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*