The mechanical performance of a suture is an important consideration in the selection of a surgical suture and can be measured by reproducible, biomechanical parameters. The suture's stiffness reflects its resistance to bending. Its coefficient of friction is a measure of the resistive forces encountered by contact of the surfaces of the suture material during knot construction.
Strength is a key performance parameter that indicates the suture's resistance to breakage.
The knot breakage load for a secure knot that fails by breakage is a reliable measure of strength. During these tests, forces are applied to the divided ends of the suture loop, the patient's side of the knot. As the suture is subjected to stress, it will elongate. The load elongation properties of a suture have important clinical implications. Ideally, the suture should elongate under low loads to accommodate for the developing wound edema, but return to its original length after resolution of the edema.