The Ultimate Aberdeen Knot

Abstract

An Aberdeen knot tied with three throws and two turns is the ultimate Aberdeen knot.

In Vitro Evaluation of the Size, Knot Holding Capacity, and Knot Security of the Forwarder Knot Compared to Square and Surgeon's Knots Using Large Gauge Suture

“…In our study, we tested varying number of throws in large gauge suture and showed that there was no significant difference in the KHC and RKS as the number of throws increased when comparing knots of the same suture material. These results are again similar to that of a previous study investigating the Aberdeen knot, where it was reported there was no additional benefit to placing >3 throws using 0 polydioxanone . Given the data obtained, it is recommended to place at least 3 throws when tying forwarder knots in large gauge (2 and 3 USP), and a fourth throw can be placed to ensure that maximum KHC is achieved.…”

Variability of surgical knot tying techniques: do we need to standardize?

“…Even though some papers have claimed to have found objective evidence for an optimum knot [22], the issue remains controversial and the search for the perfect knot continues [10,[23][24][25][26][27]. As the results reported in the literature are not standardized and not easily comparable [28], the technique options presented tend to confuse rather than help the surgical community [29,30].…”

“…cannot be answered conclusively [25]. On the one hand, in view of the fact that foreign bodies such as sutures induce an inflammatory response [42], it is reasonable to use as few knots as possible.…”

Modified technique of securing the running subcuticular suture with the Aberdeen knot in wound apposition

“…The Aberdeen knot has long been demonstrated to be a strong and secure method for ending a suture line [9]. It is designed not to be undone and, therefore, does not have an inbuilt mechanism to be untied [10]. We describe a simple and practical way of incorporating the Aberdeen knot to close wounds using the subcuticular stitch.…”