From the Guidelines
For suturing a superficial wound, 3-5 throws are recommended, with the specific number depending on the wound location and tension, as well as the suture material used, to minimize the risk of wound dehiscence and infection, as suggested by the most recent guidelines 1. The number of throws required for suturing a superficial wound can vary depending on several factors, including the location and tension of the wound, as well as the type of suture material used.
- For low-tension areas, such as the face, 3-4 throws may be sufficient, while higher-tension areas, such as joints or the back, may require 4-5 throws.
- The first throw should be a surgeon's knot (double throw) to establish security, followed by single throws to complete the knot.
- The choice of suture material, such as absorbable or non-absorbable, and the anatomical location of the wound, should also influence the decision on throw count, with more throws needed for slippery monofilament sutures compared to braided materials, as noted in recent studies 1.
- Maintaining appropriate tension when tying knots is crucial to approximate wound edges without strangulating tissue, which could lead to necrosis.
- A recent study published in 2023 1 suggests that a continuous suture technique with a suture-to-wound length ratio of at least 4:1 can provide adequate wound closure strength while minimizing excess suture material.
- Additionally, the use of slowly absorbable monofilament sutures may decrease the incidence of incisional hernia and wound complications, as recommended by the World Society of Emergency Surgery guidelines 1.
From the Research
Suturing Superficial Wounds
- The number of throws recommended for suturing a superficial wound is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, the studies discuss different suture techniques, such as continuous versus interrupted skin sutures 3, and the use of various suture materials, including nylon, vicryl rapide, and monofilament barbed suture 4, 5, 6.
- The choice of suture technique and material may depend on the specific wound and patient factors, as well as the surgeon's preference 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Some studies suggest that continuous subcuticular sutures may reduce the risk of superficial wound dehiscence 3, while others found no significant difference between different suture techniques 4, 5, 6.
- The use of monofilament barbed suture for superficial skin closure in total hip arthroplasty was associated with a decreased rate of superficial wound infection, but an increased rate of wound dehiscence 6.