Lab 2 Introduction

Knots

As a surgeon, it is important that you can consistently and efficiently tie knots that will hold for as long as they are needed.   Some knots do this more effectively than others.

In this lab, you will learn to identify the common knots and understand their basic characteristics and indications.  You will learn to tie knots with an instrument and with your hands and should work on this skill becoming natural.  You also should work on being able to critically evaluate your knots to know that they will perform the job you need them too.

Objectives

When the lab is completed, you should be able to:

  1. identify the basic surgical knots
  2. perform the common surgical knots (stacked square knot, surgeon's knot, sliding half-hitch knot, one handed or two-handed knot)
  3. Choose an appropriate knot based on the indications for each knot.
  4. critically evaluate the knot for security

Overview

Knots and Knot Tying

  • the knot is the weakest part of a suture line
  • incorrectly tied knots can untie resulting in dehiscence
  • a secure knot requires a minimum of 4 throws (varies with suture material)

Skills to Practice

  • consistent formation of a secure square knot using an instrument tie
  • consistent formation of a secure surgeon's knot using an instrument tie
  • consistent formation of a secure square knot using a hand-tie
  • converting a square knot to a half stitch by pulling up on one end and then converting it back to a square knot
  • ability to evaluate a knot and determine whether it is a secure square knot