Comparison of incisional bursting strength of simple continuous and inverted cruciate suture patterns in the equine linea alba.

This research investigates the bursting strength of horse abdominal incisions closed by either a simple continuous or inverted cruciate suture pattern. It found that the simple continuous suture pattern is stronger and uses less suture material, which may help lessen incisional complications.

Research Methodology

• Two suture patterns—simple continuous and inverted cruciate—were tested in this experiment on twelve horse cadavers.
• A central abdominal incision was made and a bladder filled with air inserted for each experiment. The abdominal incision was then closed using one of the two suture techniques.
• The bladder was inflated at a steady rate and measurements were recorded, primarily the pressure at which the sutured incision gave way (i.e., ‘bursting strength’). The amount of suture used, time taken to close the wound, and the manner in which the wound failed, were also registered.
• Statistical analysis was then conducted to compare the results from each suture technique; in particular, an analysis of covariance was employed to factor out any potentially biasing individual variations in bursting strength.

Results and Interpretation

• The results showed that simple continuous sutures had significantly greater bursting strength as compared to the inverted cruciate pattern.
• The simple continuous suture technique also used significantly less suture material than the inverted cruciate technique.
• Other factors measured, such as closure time, the ratio of suture length to wound length, degree of deviation from the straight line, and modes of failure, were not significantly different between the two techniques.
• No unexpected influence factors were identified that might have an impact on the bursting strength.

Conclusion

• Based on these results, the study concluded that the simple continuous suture pattern offers higher security for closing ventral median abdominal incisions in horses.
• This pattern leaves less foreign material in the wound, which can potentially reduce incisional complications.
• The study suggests that a simple continuous suture pattern might be more advantageous particularly during instances of increased intra-abdominal pressure in horses.