In Vitro Evaluation of the Aberdeen Knot for Continuous Suture Patterns with Large Gauge Suture.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the strength, size, and holding capacity of the Aberdeen knot compared to surgeon's and square knots using large gauge suture.


METHODS
In vitro mechanical study.


METHODS
Knotted suture.


METHODS
Aberdeen, surgeon's, and square knots were tested using 2 and 3 USP polyglactin 910 and 2 USP polydioxanone under linear tension on a universal testing machine. Mode of failure and knot holding capacity (KHC) were recorded and relative knot security (RKS) was calculated as a percentage of KHC. Knot volume and weight were quantified by a digital micrometer and balance, respectively. Strength between number of throws, suture, suture size, and knot type were compared by ANOVA and post hoc testing. P≤.05 was considered significant.


RESULTS
Aberdeen knots had higher KHC and RKS than surgeon's or square knots for all suture types and number of throws (P<.001). For all suture materials, none of the Aberdeen knots unraveled, but a portion of square and surgeon's knots with <7 throws did unravel (P=.101). Aberdeen knots had a smaller volume and weight than both surgeon's and square knots with equal numbers of throws (P<.001). The knot with the combined highest RKS and smallest size and weight was an Aberdeen knot with 4 throws using 3 USP polyglactin 910.


CONCLUSIONS
The Aberdeen knots were stronger, more secure, and smaller than surgeon's and square knots for ending a continuous suture pattern. Clinically, the Aberdeen knot may be a useful alternative for completion of continuous patterns using large gauge suture, without sacrificing knot integrity.
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Samual Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama. munstas@auburn.edu.
Alex M
AM
Gillen
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Samual Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama.
Amelia S
AS
Munsterman
Department of Polymer and Fiber Engineering, Samual Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama.|Department of Textile Engineering, Mansoura University, Mansoura City, Egypt.
Ramsis
R
Farag
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Samual Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama.
Matthew O D
MO
Coleridge
Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Samual Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama.
R
R
Reid Hanson
D000818:Animals; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000662:veterinary*; D016687:Polydioxanone; D011098:Polyglactin 910; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000662:veterinary*; D013537:Sutures / Q000662:veterinary*; D013718:Tensile Strength
D016687:Polydioxanone; D011098:Polyglactin 910