Knot holding capacity of sliding knots under dry and in vivo conditions

This study attempts to compare the alternating sliding knots with different patterns to the alternating sliding knots in terms of knot holding capacity, knot efficiency and knot security under dry and in vivo conditions. Silk and nylon sutures of 2/0 and 4/0 U.S.P. sizes were used. Under dry conditions, the two knots with different patterns had higher KIIC than the alternating ones in nylon. In silk, the parallel one was superior. Upon implantation, the percent decrease in KHC for the knots of different patterns was from 33 to 39% at the twentieth day. The alternating parallel knot showed the highest range. The 4/0 knots lost more strength than the 2/0 knots. The alternating knots with different patterns were more efficient and secure than the simple alternating ones under both conditions. The alternating parallel knot was found to be unreliable. The element of knot configuration was found to be crucial affecting the KHC, KE and knot security in silk and nylon sutures. The suture material, size, postoperative day were also contributing factors