Product Manual

When the tension is reapplied in equal and opposing directions, the slip knots can

usually be converted into either the square or granny knots. A simple code has been

devised to describe a knot’s configuration (Figure 2).

The number of wraps for

each throw is indicated by the appropriate Arabic number. The relationship between

each throw being either crossed or parallel is signified by the symbols X or =,

respectively. In accordance with this code, the square knot is designated 1=1,

and the granny knot 1x1. The presence of a slip knot construction is indicated by

the letter S. This method of describing knots facilitates their identification and

reproduction. It is, for example, perfectly obvious what is meant by 2x2x2, without

giving the knot a name, and all surgical knots can be defined unequivocally in this

international language.

Sutures remain the most common method of approximating the divided edges of

skin. Skin closure can be achieved by either percutaneous suture closure, dermal

suture closure, or a combination of both techniques. Dermal or percutaneous suture

closures are accomplished by either interrupted suture or a continuous suture

closure technique.

When utilizing a continuous suture, the first suture loop is constructed by using

the single strand of the fixed suture end attached to the needle and a single strand

of the free suture end. However, the knot of the last suture loop at the end of the

continuous suture is constructed by a suture loop containing two strands and the

single strand of the fixed suture end attached to the needle.