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Contrast-Permeated Suture Tape in Orthopedic Practice: Imaging Characteristics and Mechanical Performance
Jordan D Shearer1, Alexander C Chong1, Todd Pottinger2
1Sanford Medical Education, Sanford Health, Fargo, USA.
Cureus
|July 6, 2026
Summary
Orthopedic suture tape modified with iodine contrast is radiopaque for improved visualization during cerclage fixation. This enhancement maintains mechanical strength, offering a feasible option for clearer intraoperative and postoperative assessment.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Biomaterials Science
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Suture tapes offer superior tensile strength for orthopedic tissue repair compared to traditional sutures.
- Cerclage fixation using suture tape provides stability but lacks imaging visibility, hindering assessment.
- Current suture tape limitations necessitate improved methods for intraoperative and postoperative verification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the feasibility of rendering orthopedic suture tape radiopaque using an iodine-based contrast medium.
- To evaluate the impact of contrast medium impregnation on the mechanical properties of suture tape.
- To assess the potential of contrast-enhanced suture tape for improved fluoroscopic visualization in orthopedic procedures.
Main Methods:
- Suture tape was immersed in an iodine-based contrast medium, followed by wringing and air-drying.
- Radiographic visibility was assessed using fluoroscopy on a cadaveric humeral fracture model under varying tension levels.
- Mechanical properties, including dynamic creep and ultimate load-to-failure, were tested on contrast-permeated and non-permeated suture tapes.
Main Results:
- Contrast-permeated suture tape demonstrated radiopacity under fluoroscopy across all tested tension conditions.
- No statistically significant difference was found in dynamic creep displacement between the two groups.
- Ultimate load-to-failure was significantly higher in the contrast-permeated suture tape group compared to the non-contrast group.
Conclusions:
- Iodine-based contrast impregnation successfully renders suture tape radiopaque, enhancing fluoroscopic visibility.
- The modification does not compromise, and may even improve, the mechanical performance of the suture tape.
- Contrast-enhanced suture tape presents a clinically feasible solution for improved visualization in orthopedic procedures requiring cerclage fixation.
