title: Knot integrity with nonidentical and parallel sliding knots.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The study was performed to test the knot integrity of parallel and nonidentical sliding knots with the use of monofilament suture.
  
  
  METHODS
  We investigated the proportion of parallel sliding knots that become untied compared with nonidentical sliding knots in four different monofilament suture configurations: group A, 6 throws, 0-0 gauge; group B, 10 throws, 0-0 gauge; group C, 6 throws, 2-0 gauge; group D, 10 throws, 2-0 gauge. Each combination was tested 20 times, for a total of 160 knots.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The nonidentical sliding knot untied 40% of the time in group A compared with 0% for the parallel knot (P=.003). In the other 6-throw group, group C, 45% of the nonidentical knots became untied compared with 0% of the parallel knots (P=.001). There were no significant differences in the proportions of untying for each knot type in the 10-throw groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Parallel sliding knots demonstrate superior knot integrity compared with nonidentical sliding knots with monofilament suture. The addition of throws to the nonidentical knot improves its knot security.
authors.affiliation: Division of Gynecologic Pelvic Surgery, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, LA, USA.
authors.forename: Joseph J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Ivy
authors.forename: James B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Unger
authors.forename: Debi
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mukherjee
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013718:Tensile Strength