Variation of holding strength of synthetic absorbable flexor tendon sutures with time

This study examined the potential use of absorbable polytrimethylene carbonate (Maxon) sutures for tendon surgery. Flexor tendons of the third toe of 48 chickens were transected and sutured, then evaluated both mechanically and histologically at 0, five, 15 and 45 days after operation. Mechanical testing showed that the suture kept its strength long enough to unite tendon ends. However, high tissue reactivity of polytrimethylene carbonate during its dissolution caused adhesions.