Literature Review of Suture Materials

Influence of Loading Conditions on the Mechanical Performance of Multifilament Coreless UHMWPE Sutures Used in Orthopaedic Surgery

“…Another limitation refers to the possible changes in the mechanical properties of sutures in vivo when they are immersed in a physiological environment, reported for the viscoelastic parameters by some authors [ 21 , 22 ] but discarded by others [ 5 , 35 ]. Finally, we did not consider possible suture degradation by abrasion or chemical processes, but it should be noted that we studied isolated suture threads of non-resorbable material which are made to retain their principal mechanical properties after 60 days [ 2 , 3 ], a longer time period than the immediate postoperative period, after which healing processes occur and as a result, loads are not exclusively borne by the suture.…”

“…UHMWPE sutures are a non-resorbable option currently chosen by many orthopaedic doctors for application in surgical repairs of torn soft tissues, i.e., ligaments, tendons, or menisci, or to fix artificial or allogenic implants to the surrounding tissue (e.g., meniscal implants). The use of non-resorbable sutures has been recommended in these surgeries with relatively long post-operative periods [ 1 ] due to the lack of a long-term fixation capacity observed in resorbable threads [ 2 , 3 ]. The selection of UHMWPE sutures responds to the improved mechanical properties reported for the suture material [ 2 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ] compared to previously available non-resorbable suturing elements (made of polyamide, polypropylene, or polyester), since the success of such repairs relies on the capacity of the sutures to hold the wounded ends together or to fix tissue in place in order to promote the healing process [ 8 , 9 ].…”

“…The use of non-resorbable sutures has been recommended in these surgeries with relatively long post-operative periods [ 1 ] due to the lack of a long-term fixation capacity observed in resorbable threads [ 2 , 3 ]. The selection of UHMWPE sutures responds to the improved mechanical properties reported for the suture material [ 2 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 ] compared to previously available non-resorbable suturing elements (made of polyamide, polypropylene, or polyester), since the success of such repairs relies on the capacity of the sutures to hold the wounded ends together or to fix tissue in place in order to promote the healing process [ 8 , 9 ]. UHMWPE is a biomaterial also used in other clinical applications, for example, in total hip arthroplasty implants, due to its higher wear resistance compared to other polymers, a complication associated with this surgery that has been studied in the scientific literature [ 10 ] and that can be related to the stresses generated in the joint during use [ 11 ].…”

Engineering and polymeric composition of drug‐eluting suture: A review

“…Absorbable sutures are defined as those that lose 50% tensile strength within 60 days of their application 6 . The reduction of tensile strength is attributed to proteolytic or hydrolytic degradation, depending on the natural or synthetic absorbable sutures 15 . In light of literature review, absorbable sutures generally demonstrated less local tissue inflammatory reaction compared to nonabsorbable sutures 16 …”

Arthroscopic knots: Suture and knot characterisation of modern polyblend suture materials

“…The increase in arthroscopic surgery is primarily due to instrument, technological and material advances not limited to but including suture anchors and contemporary suture material development [ [5] , [6] , [7] , [8] , [9] ]. It should be noted that suture material, its design, and mechanical properties have a proclivity not only to influence its behaviour clinically but also have different handling, and knot security properties [ [10] , [11] , [12] ]. The family of contemporary polyblend sutures has almost entirely replaced the previously conventional suture materials (Ethibond, PDS, Nylon, and Vicryl) in managing shoulder conditions.…”