the number of suture such as 3-0 , 5-0 represent the breaking strength , not the suture width
when the number smaller , mean the strength better , ex: 2-0 stronger than 3-0
3-0 standard for skin , but in tendon , used more strong suture like 1-0 , 2-0
another thing should noted , when want to suture skin , use cutting needle (reverse cutting) , but when you want to suturing tendon use taper needle
three types of sutures : silk , prolene , vicryl
1-vicryl : absorbable , used in pediatric age group , because healing faster than adult , also don't need suture remove , also when want to suture double layer , vicryl used to suture the deep layer
2-prolene and silk , used in outer layer of double layer suturing , all types of wound like hand
but silk multifilament (more risk for infection so not used in infected wound ) , prolene monofilament (safe for infected wound )
prolene also better for drain fixation than silk
what type of silk to use in specific area ?
4-0 prolene or nylon = for scalp , trunk-extremities (hand , leg , chest back )
5-0 prolene(polypropylene) or nylon for finger
6-0 prolene or nylon for face
in emergency rom , all suturing technique are simple interrupted or mattress (note that subcuticular suturing used in straight and clean wound like surgical incision) , as rotator , irrigation of wound with normal saline is main duty for traumatic wound , in ear , nose and eye wound , plastic surgery specialist should suture them , note that cartilage shouldn't sutured
