Absorption Timeline for Absorbable Sutures
Slowly absorbable sutures (the recommended type for most surgical closures) complete absorption between 90-119 days, while maintaining critical tensile strength for 2-4 weeks during the wound healing period. 1, 2
Absorption Rates by Suture Type
Rapidly Absorbable Sutures
- Vicryl Rapide: Loses tensile strength rapidly, with strength reduced to 14 N by day 42 from an initial 195 N 3
- Standard braided absorbables (Vicryl, Dexon Plus): Half-life tensile strength of approximately 2 weeks, losing most strength within 60 days 4
Slowly Absorbable Sutures (Recommended)
- Monocryl (poliglecaprone 25): Retains 20-30% breaking strength at 2 weeks; complete absorption between 91-119 days 2
- Maxon (polyglyconate): Half-life tensile strength of 3 weeks; complete absorption between 90-110 days 5, 4
- PDS II (polydioxanone): Half-life tensile strength of 6 weeks; maintains elastic properties longer despite degradation 3, 4
Clinical Significance of Absorption Timeline
The critical wound healing period is 2-4 weeks, during which slowly absorbable sutures maintain adequate tensile strength before beginning significant degradation. 1, 6, 2
Strength Retention During Critical Period
- Slowly absorbable monofilaments (Maxon, PDS II) sustain the highest loads between days 14-28 (171-182 N) 3
- This extended strength retention explains why slowly absorbable sutures demonstrate lower incisional hernia rates compared to rapidly absorbable options 7, 1
Complete Absorption Window
- Most slowly absorbable sutures: 90-119 days 2, 5
- Tissue reaction during absorption is typically slight to minimal 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not use rapidly absorbable sutures for fascial or deep tissue closure, as they lose critical tensile strength before adequate wound healing occurs, increasing incisional hernia risk. 7, 1