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Updated: May 3, 2026
Principles of Rodent Surgery for the New Surgeon
Published on: January 6, 2011
Friction knot terminology is inconsistent in veterinary surgery
J Coleman Wahlborg1, Brianna L Grandprey1, Stephanie L Shaver1
1Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849 USA (Wahlborg, Hofmeister); Bluffton Animal Hospital, Bluffton, South Carolina 29910 USA (Grandprey); College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Oro Valley, Arizona 85721, USA (Shaver).
Veterinary surgeons show significant disagreement in naming common surgical friction knots, leading to potential communication barriers. Consistent terminology is crucial for effective surgical education and practice.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Surgery
- Surgical Techniques
- Medical Education
Background:
- Friction knots are essential in veterinary surgical procedures.
- Standardized nomenclature for surgical knots is important for clear communication and education.
- Previous studies have not definitively established consensus on friction knot terminology in veterinary medicine.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and determine the common nomenclature used for friction knots among veterinary surgeons.
- To identify areas of consensus and disagreement in the naming of specific surgical friction knots.
- To assess the familiarity of veterinary surgeons with commonly used friction knots.
Main Methods:
- A survey was distributed to veterinary surgeons certified by the American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) and the European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS).
- Participants were asked to identify 4 friction knots presented in video format.
- Data from 160 complete responses were analyzed to determine knot familiarity and naming accuracy.
Main Results:
- Familiarity with surgical friction knots varied, with the constrictor knot known by 26% and the miller's knot by 54% of respondents.
- A majority correctly identified the modified miller's knot (61%) and miller's knot (63%).
- No consensus was reached for the constrictor knot (38% named it correctly) or the strangle knot (21% named it correctly), indicating significant naming discrepancies.
Conclusions:
- There is apparent disagreement and lack of consensus on the nomenclature of surgical friction knots among veterinary surgeons.
- Inconsistent terminology for surgical knots may hinder educational efforts and clear communication within the veterinary surgical community.
- Further standardization of knot terminology is recommended to improve surgical training and practice.
