title: A Comparison of Two Monofilament Suture Materials for Repair of Partial Flexor Tendon Lacerations: A Controlled In-vitro Study.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Surgical repair is advocated for flexor tendon lacerations deeper than 70%. Repair can be undertaken with different suturing techniques and using different materials. Different materials used for tendon repair will have a different gliding resistance (GR) at the joint. Previous studies have compared strength of repair and gliding resistance for various braided suture materials and for 100% laceration of flexor tendons. We directly compare the GR of two monofilament sutures when used for a peripheral running suture repair of partially lacerated tendons.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen flexor tendons and A2 pulleys were harvested from Turkey feet. They were prepared, partially lacerated to 50% depth, and then repaired with a core suture (modified Kessler technique with 4-0 Ethibond) as well as an additional superficial running suture of either 6-0 Prolene or Nylon (half randomised to each). Gliding resistance was measured for all tendons before and after repair, at different flexion angles (40 and 60 degrees) and for different loads (2N and 4N).
  
  
  RESULTS
  After surgical repair, gliding resistance was increased for all tendons (P < 0.01). The tendons repaired with Prolene had a higher mean gliding resistance than those repaired with Nylon (P = 0.02). Increased flexion angle and load amplified the gliding resistance (both P < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  6-0 Nylon was associated with a lower gliding resistance than 6-0 Prolene but the minor differences bare unknown clinical significance.
authors.affiliation: * Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, LE5 4PW, UK.
authors.forename: Abhinav
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gulihar
authors.affiliation: † Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Darent Valley Hospital, Dartford, DA2 8DA, UK.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Whitehead-Clarke
authors.affiliation: * Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, LE5 4PW, UK.
authors.forename: Ladan
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Hajipour
authors.affiliation: * Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Leicester General Hospital, Leicester, LE5 4PW, UK.
authors.forename: Joe J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Dias
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D022125:Lacerations / Q000601:surgery*; D023421:Models, Animal; D009757:Nylons; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011126:Polypropylenes; D013536:Suture Techniques; D013537:Sutures; D013708:Tendon Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D014422:Turkeys
chemical_list: C014534:Ethibond; D009757:Nylons; D011093:Polyethylene Terephthalates; D011126:Polypropylenes
keywords: Flexor Tendon; Gliding resistance; Laceration; Nylon; Prolene; Suture Material