An experimental study of tensile strength of six different suture techniques

Tests were carried out on the strength of six different suture techniques used to join polyester lace ends, for example, in interscapulo-scapulocostal scapulopexy. The following sutures were used: four 5-cm rows of a continuous suture, four 2.5-cm rows of a continuous suture, two 5-cm rows of a continuous suture, 4 or 8 interrupted sutures, and 4 U-sutures. The laces were tested in tension, and load and elongation recorded. The strongest techniques involved a suture of four 5-cm rows of continuous thread (average maximum load at point of failure 1484 N). This was higher than the maximum load at failure of the point of attachment to the scapula.