Mechanical Comparison of Suture Material and Knot Type Used for Fabello-Tibial Sutures

Abstract

SummaryMany different suture materials have been used for extra-articular stabilization of the canine cruciate-deficient stifle. In this study, two different materials frequently used as fabello-tibial sutures (27-kilogram-test [kgt] nylon fishing line [labeled 60-pound-test] and 27-kgt nylon leader line) and two knot types used to tie these materials (square knot and slip knot) were evaluated mechanically in vitro. Twenty loops of each material were tied with each knot and evaluated. The purpose of the study reported herein was to compare the mechanical performance of two different monofilament nylon materials and two knot types when subjected to: 1) continuous elongation until failure, and 2) cycling 10 times to 100 N followed by elongation to failure testing methods. Nylon leader line tolerated higher failure loads and deformed less than nylon fishing line for both knot types. Nylon fishing line secured with a square knot recovered resting tension more completely following cycling than nylon fishing line secured with a slip knot. Nylon leader line secured with a slip knot recovered resting tension following cycling better than leader line with a square knot and both fishing line groups. When used as fabello-tibial sutures, it is suggested that 27-kgt nylon leader line be secured with a slip knot, and 27-kgt nylon fishing line be secured with a square knot to optimize the mechanical performance of the loop.The influence of knot type on the in vitro mechanical performance of monofilament nylon fishing line and monofilament leader line used as fabello-tibial sutures was investigated. Testing of loops of the materials tied with either a slip knot or a square knot was performed on steel hook attachment points. When used as fabello-tibial sutures, it is suggested that 27-kgt nylon leader line be secured with a slip knot, and 27-kgt nylon fishing line be secured with a square knot to optimize the mechanical performance of the loop.