Suture characteristics following incubation in synovial fluid or phosphate buffered saline

Selection of an appropriate suture requires a knowledge of many factors. These include its mechanical characteristics, its durability, the period of mechanical effectiveness and the tissue reactivity to the material. Absorbable suture materials were incubated in synovial fluid or phosphate buffered saline, at 37 degrees C, for periods up to 12 weeks. Mechanical testing was performed to determine the yield strength, percentage elongation and stiffness of each material in response to incubation. Significant differences were observed in response to time of incubation, material size ('0' or '2-0'), incubation medium and material properties (P < 0.001). Based on the results obtained Vicryl and PDS appear ideal for short-term and medium term apposition, respectively. Panacryl has more durable mechanical features and may well be suited to long-term tissue apposition, such as tendon repair or arthroplasty.