Mechanical properties of Triclosan sutures

To avoid infections and wound healing disorders, Triclosan coated sutures have been invented. Little is known of these sutures regarding their tensile properties. Three different Triclosan coated sutures (Vicryl 1 plus, PDS 0 plus, Monocryl 3-0 plus) were tested at several time points over 42 days regarding load to failure, strain, and stiffness compared to their non-coated versions (Vicryl 1, PDS 0, Monocryl 3-0). Four different measurement points were made. Suture loops were fixed in a material testing machine over two metal bars which were moved apart creating a stress to the fiber. Unpaired, two-tailed t-test were performed for each group (untreated and treated) while level of significance was defined at a level of p < 0.05. Vicryl 1 was significantly stronger on day 14 than Vicryl 1 plus (p = 0.033). On day 28, significant changes were found in PDS 0 which was weaker compared to PDS 0 plus (p = 0.039) and Vicryl 1 which was stronger than Vicryl 1 plus (p = 0.032). We have seen that Vicryl 1 plus sutures are significantly weaker according to loading to failure after 14 and 28 days, which might cause incisional hernias. PDS 0 sutures are used to reconstruct tendons, therefore a longer durableness might be of interest as re-ruptures of tendons are problematic. Our in vitro findings support, the use of Triclosan coated PDS plus sutures and Vicryl sutures as they show a longer resistance. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:1777-1782, 2018.