title: Mechanical properties of 6 finger-trap suture techniques.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To identify the most common methods used by surgeons to place finger-trap sutures (FTS), and determine their influence on the biomechanical properties of constructs.
  
  
  METHODS
  Questionnaire and experimental study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six commonly used FTS methods (A-F) were identified from literature review and questionnaire. Constructs made with 3-metric nylon suture and 18-French polyurethane esophagostomy tubing were tested in axial loading to failure. Two patterns (B and D) selected based on common use and biomechanical performance were further tested, with 2, 4, and 8 repeats along the tube. Displacement, load, and energy at failure were compared between constructs, and failure mode was video recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patterns E and F were susceptible to slipping (P < .001). Patterns A and D were stiffer than pattern E, and patterns A-D were stiffer than pattern F (P = .012). Patterns A and B had less extension than pattern E and F, and patterns A-D had less extension than pattern F (P = .002). 87.5% of FTS failed by breaking at the first suture knot. The number of repeats had no effect on FTS performance, but catastrophic failure occurred in 2 constructs with 2 repeats.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The mechanical behavior of suture-tube constructs and failure mode is affected by the FTS pattern. Patterns E and F are not advocated due to suture slippage. The number of repeats may not affect the FTS performance, but a minimum of 4 repeats is recommended. Overall, patterns B, C, and D performed the best in axial loading.
authors.affiliation: Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Naomi F
authors.initials: NF
authors.lastname: Earley
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Lee B
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2161-9414
authors.initials: LB
authors.lastname: Meakin
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Kevin J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Parsons
authors.affiliation: School of Veterinary Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Tarlton
authors.affiliation: Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Jon L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Hall
mesh_terms: D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D008422:Materials Testing / Q000662:veterinary*; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000662:veterinary*; D013537:Sutures / Q000662:veterinary*