Aims/Background-Interrupted corneal sutures are used routinely by many
cataract and corneal surgeons. A slim compact knot facilitates burial
and allows atraumatic suture removal, with decreased risk of wound de
hiscence. The size and morphology of knots tied in different configura
tions were investigated. Methods-10-0 nylon suture material was used t
o tie knots on porcine corneal cataract sections using 2/1/1 (reef and
granny), 3/1/1, and 1/1/1/1 (slip knot) configurations. 10-0 Mersilen
e was used to tie 2/1/1 reef knots. Scanning electron micrographs of t
he knots were digitised and their maximal lengths and widths estimated
. In addition, the area of each knot was calculated and used as an ind
ex of its volume. Results-2/1/1 reef knots were significantly smaller
in all dimensions compared with the other knots (all p<0.03) except fo
r the maximal width of 2/1/1 granny knots which were no wider than the
2/1/1 granny knots. The Mersilene knots were larger than the nylon on
es. Conclusion-The use of 2/1/1 reef knots is recommended for corneal
suturing.