title: Structure and quantitative efficacy of the basic lattice stitch.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The basic lattice stitch has been proposed to be a highly effective component in the repair of atrophic skin and wounds under high tension.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To compare the efficacy of the basic lattice stitch in dispersing tissue tension from the perpendicular plane of closure with that of a simple interrupted stitch. A dispersion of closure force could lead to fewer tissue tears at closure, lower wound dehiscence, less necrosis, and better wound healing.
  
  
  METHODS
  Closure forces on structural components of the basic lattice stitch in 21 repairs with closing tensions ranging from 0.3 to 4.0 N were studied and compared with the closing force of a simple interrupted stitch.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In 21 closures, the basic lattice stitch resulted in 54.4 ± 3.2% less tissue tension in the perpendicular plane of closure than a simple interrupted stitch (p<.005).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The basic lattice stitch distributes tissue tension away from the perpendicular plane of wound closure significantly more than a simple interrupted stitch. The basic lattice stitch should be considered in any closure under tension or for repair of atrophic skin as a means of effectively dispersing closure forces from the tissue in the perpendicular plane of wound closure. The author has indicated no significant interest with commercial supporters.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA. knoell777@earthlink.net
authors.forename: Keith Allen
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Knoell
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D006801:Humans; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000601:surgery*; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D013536:Suture Techniques