Background: The purpose of our study was to indentify the mechanical characteristics of various suture materials. We created an in-vitro experimental flexor tendon model.
Material and methods: Materials were divided into four groups: monofilament polypropylene non-absorbable material (group 1); monofilament long-term absorbable material (group 2); polyester multifilament non-absorbable coated material (group 3) and polyester multifilament non-absorbable uncoated material (group 4). We performed 135 tests. The mean maximal tensile strength was 62.92 N in group 1, 75.20 N in group 2, 36.38 N in group 3 and 72.4 N in group 4. Elasticity in millimetres was adjusted at the 35N level: group 1:2.01 mm, group 2:2.18 mm, group 3:2.14 and group 4:1.51 mm.
Discussion: With regard to its elasticity and favourable SD for tensile strength measurements, polyester multifilament non-absorbable uncoated material was considered to be the most suitable material.