Symmetric Peripheral Running Sutures are Superior to Asymmetric Peripheral Running Sutures for Increasing the Tendon Strength in Flexor Tendon Repair

Abstract

Background: The fatigue strength of three peripheral suture techniques for flexor tendon repair was compared by cyclic loading of the repairs in the porcine flexor digitorum tendon. Methods: Thirty-six tendons were sutured using only peripheral sutures with 6-0 Nylon. An initial cyclic load of 10 N for 500 cycles was applied and increased by 10 N for an additional 500 cycles at each new load until rupture. Results: The fatigue strength of the symmetric running peripheral suture was 85.0% and 144.8% greater than that of the two kinds of the asymmetric running peripheral sutures. Conclusions: Symmetric running sutures can enhance the suture strength and appears to be a useful technique for increasing the strength of the peripheral suture.