Minimum Number of Throws Needed for Knot Security

作者：Muffly Tyler M^*; Kow Nathan; Iqbal Imran; Barber Matthew D

来源：Journal of Surgical Education, 2011, 68(2): 130-133.

DOI：10.1016/j.jsurg.2010.11.001

• suture techniques
• tensile strength
• suture end length
• polyglactin 910

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to determine the optimal number of throws to ensure knot security.
STUDY DESIGN: Knots were tied with 3, 4, 5, or 6 square throws with 0-gauge coated polyester, polydioxanone, polypropylene, and polyglactin 910. The suture was soaked in 0.9% sodium chloride and subsequently transferred to a tensiometer and broken.
RESULTS: A total of 225 knots were tied. Regardless of the suture type, tension at failure for knots with 4 throws, 5 throws, and 6 throws was higher than tension at failure of knots with only 3 throws (p < 0.05 for each). We found no difference in the tensile strength between knots with 4, 5, or 6 throws (p > 0.05 for each). Knots with 4 throws were significantly more likely to come untied than knots with 5 or 6 throws (p < 0.01).
CONCLUSIONS: Under laboratory conditions, the ideal knot has 5 throws to maximize tensile strength and rate of untying. This finding does not seem to vary by type of suture material. (J Surg 68:130-133.

• 出版日期2011-4