Tensile properties of synthetic, absorbable monofilament suture materials before and after incubation in phosphate-buffered saline.

Objective: To compare tensile properties of synthetic, absorbable, monofilament suture material before and after incubation in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS).

Study Design: Two sizes (2-0 and 3-0) of Biosyn, Maxon, Monocryl, PDS II, Securocryl, and Securodox were tested.

Sample Population: Ten suture loops per group.

Methods: Tensile strength, elongation, and modulus of suture loops were measured at baseline and after 7, 14, 21, or 28 days of incubation in PBS.

Results: Size, suture material, and size × suture material interaction influenced maximum breaking load, maximum elongation, and modulus of elasticity. At baseline, 2-0 and 3-0 Maxon had the highest breaking loads (111.67 N and 79.71 N, respectively) for their size, and 2-0 PDSII and 3-0 Securodox had the lowest (68.71 N and 48.73 N, respectively). Maxon 2-0 and 3-0 had the greatest elongations (9.68 mm and 8.45 mm, respectively) for their size, and 2-0 Biosyn and 3-0 Securocryl had the least (7.21 mm and 6.58 mm, respectively). Biosyn 2-0 and 3-0 had the highest modulus. With incubation, Maxon (2-0), PDS II (2-0, 3-0), and Securodox (2-0, 3-0) maintained or gained strength over 4 weeks. Strengths of 2-0 and 3-0 Biosyn and 3-0 Maxon were maintained for 2 weeks, while Monocryl and Securocryl lost 20% to 44% of baseline strength within 1 week and 60% to 72% within 2 weeks. Day 7 strengths of 2-0 Biosyn and 2-0 Monocryl were greater than baseline strength of 2-0 PDS II. Strength of 3-0 Biosyn at day 14 was greater than strength of Monocryl at days 7 and 14 and greater than strength of 3-0 PDS II, 3-0 Securodox, and 3-0 Securocryl at baseline and days 7 and 14.

Conclusion: Suture tensile properties varied with suture size, composition, and brand. At baseline, Maxon suture had the greatest strength and elongation, and Biosyn had the greatest stiffness.

Clinical Significance: Tensile strength retention, when reported as a percentage of original strength, provides insufficient information for comparison of suture tensile properties.