The Aberdeen knots were stronger, more secure, and smaller than surgeon's and square knots for ending a continuous suture pattern. Clinically, the Aberdeen knot may be a useful alternative for completion of continuous patterns using large gauge suture, without sacrificing knot integrity.

Objective To compare the bursting strength and failure mode of ventral midline celiotomy closed with a simple continuous suture pattern with 1 of 2 knot combinations, a novel self‐locking knot combination of a forwarder start with an Aberdeen end knot (F‐A) and a traditional combination of a surgeon's start with a surgeon's end knot (S‐S). Study design Ex vivo experimental. Sample population Equine cadavers (n = 14). Methods A 20‐cm ventral midline celiotomy was created in 14 equine cadavers. Horses were assigned to celiotomy closure with an F‐A or S‐S knot combination. Prior to closure, a 200‐L inflatable bladder was placed in the abdomen and then insufflated until failure of the celiotomy closure. The horses’ signalment, weight, breed, and age, as well as knot combination type, mode of failure, closure time, and bursting strength (mm Hg) were recorded. Results The median bursting strength was significantly greater when incisions were closed with the F‐A knot combination (388 mm Hg) compared with the S‐S knot combination (290 mm Hg) (P = .035). Most incisions failed along the fascia when closed with F‐A combinations and at the knot when closed with S‐S combinations. Conclusion The bursting strength of ventral midline incisions in equine cadavers was increased by an average of 25% when closed with the self‐locking F‐A knot combination. Clinical significance Closing ventral midline celiotomies with an F‐A knot combination may provide a more secure closure than the traditional S‐S knot combination. Additional in vivo investigation is required prior to recommending this closure in clinical cases.

Media exposure either had no effect on KHC or significantly improved the KHC of all knots investigated. Based on KHC and knot volume, Aberdeen knots tied using media-exposed 3 polyglactin 910 with 3 throws and 1 turn are recommended to end a continuous suture pattern.

Objective: To investigate the strength and size of surgeon's and square knots for starting and ending continuous suture lines using large gauge suture. Study Design:In vitro mechanical study. Study Population: Knotted suture.Methods: Surgeon's and square knots were tested using 2 and 3 USP polyglactin 910 and 2 USP polydioxanone under linear tension on a universal testing machine. Failure mode and knot holding capacity (KHC) were recorded, and relative knot security (RKS) was calculated as a percentage of KHC. Comparisons were made between number of throws, suture size, suture type, and knot types. Knot volume and weight were assessed by a digital micrometer and balance, respectively.Results: There were no significant differences in KHC (P 5 .295), RKS (P 5 .307), volume (P 5 .128), or weight (P 5 .310) between square and surgeon's knots at the start or end of suture lines with the same number of throws and suture type. A minimum of 6 throws were required for start knots and 7 throws at end knots to prevent unraveling. Knots tied with 3 polyglactin 910 were strongest (P < .001) and 2 polyglactin 910 produced knots with higher KHC and RKS than 2 polydioxanone (P < .001).Conclusion: No consistent differences were detected between knots types tied with the same suture material; however, number of throws affected KHC and RKS up to 6 throws in start or 7 throws in end knots. The configuration of square and surgeon's knots performed at the end of a continuous line alters their KHC, supporting the use of additional throws for knot security.

Introduction Fracture configuration is often more complex than is radiographically appreciable. The objective of this study is to describe the influence of pre-operative computed tomography (CT) for surgical planning in a variety of fracture types. This has not been described in previous studies. Materials and methods All cases with pre-operative radiographs, admitted for CT and surgical repair of a suspected limb fracture from January 2010-December 2020 were reviewed. CT was acquired under general anaesthesia in a multi-slice helical scanner; any surgery was then performed immediately. Three diplomates (two surgical; one diagnostic imaging) performed a blinded retrospective review of the radiographs and CT for each horse. A consensus decision was made on any change in surgical plan prior to and after CT review, and cases divided into three categories: CT of major, intermediate or minor relevance, as previously described by Genton et al, 2019. Results 55 cases were collated. Thoroughbred racehorses predominated. The median age was 3 years. A diverse range of fractures were presented: proximal phalanx (18/55), carpal (17/55), metacarpal/tarsal (11/55), sesamoid (5/55), tarsal (3/55), and middle phalanx (1/55). In 13 of 55 cases (23.6%, 95% CI[12%,35%]) CT was of major relevance. In 21 of 55 cases CT was of intermediate relevance (38.2%, 95% CI[25%,51%]). In 21 of 55 cases CT was of minor relevance (38.2%, 95% CI[25%,51%]). A Fisher’s exact test demonstrated no statistical difference in CT relevance between fracture types (p<0.05). Discussion/Conclusions This study demonstrates that CT has a significant role in surgical planning, and in the majority (61.8%) of cases added additional information or significantly changed the surgical plan. In all cases CT ensured confidence in surgical planning.