A comparison between three brands of 10.0 nylon sutures

10.0 nylon sutures from three different manufacturers were compared on the basis of the scanning electron microscopic aspect, the maximum tensile strength of the thread and the maximum tensile strength of the knot (single throw). Scanning electron microscopy revealed identical surface characteristics and identical diameters (approximately 30 micrometers) for all threads. Threads which had been pulled on became wavy and showed markedly thinned and flattened segments. Maximum tensile strength was measured by a simple device, which is described. The maximum tensile strength of the thread varied considerably between the three brands (from 31.3 gr, S.D. 2.0 gr, to 46.2 gr, S.D. 3.7 gr.) The maximum tensile strength of the knot (single throw) was approximately the same for all three (ranging from 25.9 gr, S.D. 4.1 gr to 28.2 gr, S.D. 2.6 gr).