A comparison of sutures for adjustable strabismus surgery

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomaterials Science
• Surgical Techniques

Background:

• Adjustable suture techniques in strabismus surgery aim for ease of manipulation.
• Surgeon preference for sutures with minimal intraoperative resistance is key.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the intraoperative resistance of three absorbable sutures used in adjustable strabismus surgery.
• To evaluate suture resistance in both attached and unattached states to extraocular muscles.

Main Methods:

• A rabbit model was used to test 6-0 Biosorb-C, coated Vicryl, and Dexon-S sutures.
• Sutures were advanced through scleral tunnels, with and without attachment to extraocular muscles.
• Resistance was quantified using a strain gauge with a microprocessor.

Main Results:

• Biosorb-C showed significantly less resistance than Vicryl at 6 and 24 hours when unattached.
• Dexon-S also demonstrated less resistance than Vicryl at 24 hours when unattached.
• When attached to muscles, Vicryl exhibited significantly increased resistance at 24 hours compared to 6 hours.

Conclusions:

• Biosorb-C and Dexon-S are suitable for adjustable strabismus surgery at both 6 and 24 hours post-op.
• Biosorb-C may offer slightly easier adjustment at 6 hours.
• Adjusting Vicryl sutures is recommended at 6 hours rather than 24 hours post-surgery.