A comparative study of two non-absorbable tendon sutures

Abstract

Objective To compare the biomechanical properties and tissue compatibility of two commonly used non-absorbable tendon sutures and provide a theoretical basis for selecting appropriate sutures in tendon repair surgery.Methods Two groups of sutures were studied:group A,3-0 TICRON polyester suture (n =100) ; group B,3-0 silk suture (n =100).Eighty sutures in each group were randomly buried in the abdominal subcutaneous tissue of 40 SD rats.The tissues near the sutures were harvested at 1,2,3 and 4 weeks after the surgery and stained with H&E to observe the inflammatory reaction and the extent of tissue adhesion.The embedded sutures were retrieved and their tensile strength was measured in order to compare the strength at the initial and subsequent four time points.Results The inflammatory reaction was obvious around the suture at 1 and 2 weeks after the operation and gradually reduced at 3 and 4 weeks in group A.The inflammatory reaction of group B was more severe than that of group A,and eased much more slowly.The initial tensile strength of 3-0 polyester sutures(19.02 ± 0.63)N and the tensile strength at 4 weeks after the operation(17.80 ±0.64) N were greater than the initial tensile strength of 3-0 silk sutures(15.40 ± 0.44)N and the tensile strength when suture was in the body for 4 weeks (9.79 ± 0.54) N.The 3-0 TICRON polyester suture tension strength attenuation rate was obviously less than that of the 3-0 silk suture.Conclusion 3-0 TICRON polyester suture has good histocompatibility and mild local inflammatory reaction.Its tensile strength could maintain for a longtime without repair failure.Therefore,3-0 TICRON polyester suture is an ideal suture material for the repair of tendon rupture. Key words: Biomechanics; Histocompatibility; TICRON polyester suture; Silk suture