A clove-hitch suture method for small-caliber tendon ends.
BACKGROUND
The choices of suture methods used to secure the end of a small-caliber tendon with a combination of suture materials passing through and looping around the tendon are not well documented. A secure stitch-tendon unit may be an important factor in preserving muscle function, by facilitating healing without gapping or failure.


METHODS
Five types of suture methods utilizing four or fewer passes through the tendon end were mechanically tested on 178 canine flexor digitorum profundus tendons. An Instron apparatus was used to test the load to failure.


RESULTS
The single and double clove-hitch suture methods demonstrated improved repair strength when compared with the three other methods studied in this small-caliber canine tendon model.


CONCLUSIONS
The single and double clove-hitch suture method better secured the end of a small-caliber tendon compared with other methods.


CONCLUSIONS
The single (pull-out) and double (non-pull-out) clove-hitch suture methods are reliable alternatives for the repair of small-caliber tendons.
Department of Orthopaedics, University osf Illinois College of Medicine, 835 South Wolcott Avenue, E270, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. for E. Abraham: Eda@uic.edu
Edward
E
Abraham
Alan
A
League
Farid
F
Amirouche
Nikhil
N
Kulkarni
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004285:Dogs; D006801:Humans; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013709:Tendon Transfer / Q000379:methods*; D013718:Tensile Strength