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Suture Biomechanics and Static Facial Suspension
Clinton D. Humphrey, MD;
Terence E. McIff, PhD;
Kevin J. Sykes, MPH;
Terance T. Tsue, MD;
J. David Kriet, MD
Arch Facial Plast Surg. 2007;9(3):188-193.
Background Static facial suspension (SFS) continues to play a role for rehabilitation in patients with facial paralysis. We perform SFS almost exclusively with a suture technique in our practice. Monofilament polypropylene suture (Prolene) is commonly used for SFS, but we have witnessed occasional failure and some stretching with this material. The purpose of this study was to establish and compare the biomechanical properties of 3 suture types—polypropylene, polybutilate-coated braided polyester (PBCP) (Ethibond Excel), and braided polyester impregnated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PIP) (Tevdek)—to assess their suitability for SFS.
Methods Six samples of 0, 2-0, and 3-0 polypropylene, PBCP, and PIP were tested. The mean load to failure was calculated for each suture type. Stiffness and elongation at specific loads were calculated to compare stretch between materials.
Results The load to failure of PBCP and PIP was significantly greater than that for polypropylene for all suture sizes. In addition, PBCP and PIP had significantly less elongation than did polypropylene at clinically relevant loads.
Conclusions Both PBCP and PIP had superior load-bearing properties and decreased stretch when compared with polypropylene. These properties suggest that, for SFS with suture, use of PBCP or PIP may reduce the incidence of breakage and elongation, improving outcomes.
Author Affiliations: Departments of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (Drs Humphrey, Tsue, and Kriet and Mr Sykes) and Orthopedic Surgery (Dr McIff), The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City.
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