MECHANICAL COMPARISON OF 10 SUTURE MATERIALS BEFORE AND AFTER IN-VIVOINCUBATION

The material properties of ten 2-0 suture materials were evaluated ten siometrically at time = 0 and again after 6 weeks incubation in rats. All suture material was incubated and tested without knots. Specialize d machinery was used with a custom securing apparatus to pull suture m aterial apart at constant speed. Stress-strain curves were derived, an d from these strength, toughness, strain at rupture, and elastic modul us were determined. Sutures tested included Vicryl [poly(glycolide-lac tide)], Dexon (polyglycolic acid), Ethibond (polyester), silk, plain g ut, chromic gut, Maxon (poly-glyconate), PDS (polydioxanone), nylon, a nd Prolene (polypropylene). Elastic modulus was greatest for braided, least for monofilament, and intermediate for gut sutures, regardless o f chemical composition (ANOVA, P = 0.0001). Strength, strain, and toug hness decreased in all of the sutures over time in vivo with the excep tion of braided polyester (Ethibond), which remained stable. Silk demo nstrated the least strength and toughness while PDS and Maxon were the strongest and toughest at time = O. Vicryl, Dexon, and gut sutures we re absorbed to the point that they could not be tested after 6 weeks i n vivo. Performance tables are provided for all sutures. (C) 1994 Acad emic Press, Inc.