Suture Materials, Needles, and Methods of Skin Closure: What Every Hand Surgeon Should Know

Abstract

Sutures are used ubiquitously in surgery and are the most implanted materials in hand surgery. However, surgical training does not routinely include formal education on stitching materials or needles. Rather, suture familiarity is passed down by common use throughout training. We focus on a brief history and evolution of suture materials and suture needles, their material and mechanical properties, hand surgery-specific applications, other methods of skin closure (staples, skin glue, and adhesive strips), a cost analysis, and advances in musculoskeletal suturing, with a look toward the future. Equipped with a fundamental knowledge of suture needles and suture materials, hand surgeons will be better prepared to select the most appropriate, situation-specific tools.

Keywords: History of sutures; material properties; skin closure; suture materials; suture needles.