Increased suture embedment in tendons: an effective method to improve repair strength.
We evaluated the effect of length of suture embedment within tendons on the tensile strength of repaired tendons. Thirty fresh pig flexor tendons were divided into three groups and subjected to repairs with the Halsted tendon sutures in which 1/3, 1/2, and 2/3 of the length of the longitudinal sutures was embedded within the tendons. The repaired tendons were pulled to complete failure by an Instron tensile testing machine. The 2 mm gap-formation force, ultimate strength, stiffness, and energy to failure were greatest when 2/3 of the suture length was embedded within the tendon. The results indicate that suture embedment is an important contributor to the tensile properties of the repair, and that increase in length of suture embedment is an effective way to strengthen tendon repairs.
Wang
B
B
Hand Surgery Research Center, Department of Orthopedics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong Medical College, Nantong, Jiangsu, China.
Tang
J B
JB
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004734:Energy Metabolism / Q000502:physiology*; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005552:Forelimb / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures; D013552:Swine; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000601:surgery*; D013718:Tensile Strength / Q000502:physiology*; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology