Equipment / Instruments
Unit 11: Sutures & Other Materials
Topic 4: Tying Knots
Drawing knot techniques
The suture, and durability of the suture is only as good as the knot which secures it. The knot is the weakest point of a suture.
It is essential that the surgeon is able to tie secure knots using instrument or hand ties.
In general, a square knot is the safest and most desirable knot to tie.
A surgeons knot is used to place a suture in tissues in which the wound edges are under some tension and the first Throw wants to slip.
Square knots are stronger than granny knots. Multifilamentous materials generally have good knot security relative to monofilaments, but this is significantly reduced by coating and 4-5 "throws" are frequently required to secure them. Premature locking is also a problem associated with these sutures.
