Although sutures vary in strength based on composition and construction, manufacturing guidelines require a relative standard product. Despite this sutures vary substantially as to dry strength . A suture is strongest with dry straight pull.
Every use decreases strength.
Not all sutures are equally affected by each of these adversities. These changes must be considered before in vivo application. Maximum breaking strength begins to decline immediately after implantation due to mechanical stress and effects of tissue fluids. Although normal loss of tensile strength is most dramatic in absorbable sutures, even some nonabsorbable sutures lose strength over time. The effect of adverse environments is staggering.