Surgical suture

A sterile strand used to close wounds or secure tissues during surgery. Sutures are absorbable or remain in place until removed.

Absorbable suture: A surgical suture designed to lose strength and break down in the body over time. Its planned breakdown distinguishes it from strands that must be removed.
Surgical knot: A tied arrangement of suture strands that secures tissue or closes a wound. The knot prevents the wound edges from separating after the strand is placed.
Interrupted suture: A closure made from separate stitches, each tied independently. Independent stitches let a surgeon adjust tension along the wound.
Surgical staple: A metal or polymer fastener used to close wounds or join tissues. Staples can close some wounds faster than individually placed stitches.
Nonabsorbable suture: A surgical suture that resists breakdown in the body and may remain permanently or be removed later. It provides lasting support when tissue needs prolonged reinforcement.
Wound healing: The biological process by which damaged tissue is repaired and restored. A suture supports the wound until healing tissue can bear tension.
Continuous suture: A closure made with one strand running through a series of connected stitches. A continuous strand can close a long incision with fewer knots.
Tissue adhesive: A medical glue used to bond tissue or seal a wound. Adhesives avoid needle punctures in selected low-tension skin closures.
Monofilament: A single, continuous filament rather than a bundle of smaller fibers. Monofilament construction reduces spaces where bacteria and fluid can collect.
Tensile strength: The maximum pulling force a material withstands before breaking. Suture strength must match the load expected at the repair site.

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