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Updated: May 15, 2026

Flexural Rigidity Measurements of Biopolymers Using Gliding Assays
Published on: November 9, 2012
All monofilament knots assume sliding conformation in vivo
Daniel A Davis1, Donna M Pellowski, Eric J Rawdon
1Department of Dermatology, University of Arkansas for the Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas 72205, USA. davisdaniela@uams.edu
Background:
Surgeons are not always cognizant of the knots they tie. It has been thought that suture material does not determine what types of knots are tied.
Design:
Experienced surgeons were asked to tie square monofilament knots that were salvaged and microscopically evaluated.
Results:
Tightly cinched monofilament knots assume sliding conformation in vivo regardless of configuration, instrumentation, suture polymer, or surgeon.
Conclusions:
When monofilament suture is securely cinched in vivo, kinetic energy forces even a flat throw into sliding conformation. A well-crafted, intentionally sliding square knot appears compacter than any other monofilament knot.
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