Effect of Suture Diameter and Material on Oral Soft‐Tissue Tearing Behaviour: An In Vitro Study Relevant to Periodontal Plastic Surgery

doi:10.1111/jcpe.70127

Effect of Suture Diameter and Material on Oral Soft‐Tissue Tearing Behaviour: An In Vitro Study Relevant to Periodontal Plastic Surgery

★ Alto impactoQ1 · DentistryImpact Factor · 5.111

AutoresAlexander De Greef, Kato Van Caesbroeck, Hanne Langers, Amy Vanrusselt, Pierre Lahoud, Ana Boquete‐Castro, Andy Temmerman

Por qué importa

Una investigación in vitro ha examinado la influencia del diámetro y el material de las suturas en la resistencia al desgarro de los tejidos blandos orales, un aspecto crucial en la cirugía plástica periodontal. El estudio comparó diferentes grosores y materiales de sutura en especímenes de encía y mucosa, registrando la fuerza máxima de ruptura y el modo de fallo. Los hallazgos sugieren que los hilos más finos actúan como protectores, previniendo el desgarro tisular, y que ciertos materiales ofrecen mayor seguridad. La selección adecuada de la sutura, basada en estas propiedades biomecánicas, puede optimizar la técnica de sutura atraumática y mejorar los resultados en procedimientos periodontales y de cirugía plástica oral, salvaguardando la integridad de los tejidos delicados.

Abstract original

AIM: To assess how suture diameter, material composition and tissue characteristics influence the tension-to-tearing behaviour of oral soft tissues, with the objective of optimising atraumatic suturing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in vitro cadaver study evaluated 288 standardised porcine oral soft-tissue specimens (144 gingiva, 144 lining mucosa). Twelve different suture types including four distinct diameters (4-0, 5-0, 6-0, 7-0) and three different materials (polyvinylidene fluoride [PVF], polyamide [PA] and polyglycolic acid [PGA]) were tested using a calibrated Instron microtester. Maximum rupture force (N), failure mode and tissue thickness (mm) were recorded. Statistical analysis relied on three-way ANOVA, Tukey's post hoc testing and Pearson's correlation (α = 0.05). RESULTS: The overall mean maximum rupture force was 5.03 ± 3.00 N. Rupture force increased with suture diameter (p = 0.0001) and differed between materials (p < 0.0001; PGA ≈ PVF > PA). Gingival specimens resisted higher loads than mucosal specimens (p = 0.003). Fine sutures (6-0, 7-0) failed mainly by thread rupture, while thicker sutures (4-0, 5-0) caused tissue tearing, supporting the concept of a mechanical safety buffer. PA (6-0) generally preserved tissue integrity, whereas PVF and PGA required 7-0 in delicate mucosa to ensure comparable tissue protection. Tissue thickness correlated positively with rupture force (r = 0.49, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Finer sutures (6-0 and 7-0) function as protective mechanical fuses, safeguarding delicate tissues during manipulation. PA 6-0 provides reliable protection, while 7-0 PVF and PGA are recommended for fragile mucosa manipulation. These findings provide a biomechanical framework for evidence-based suture selection in periodontal plastic surgery.

Leer texto completo ↗DOI · 10.1111/jcpe.70127

Autor Doctor&Cols

Ana Boquete Castro
Cirugía Oral e Implantología

Cómo citar

Greef AD, Caesbroeck KV, Langers H, Vanrusselt A, Lahoud P, Boquete‐Castro A, et al. Effect of Suture Diameter and Material on Oral Soft‐Tissue Tearing Behaviour: An In Vitro Study Relevant to Periodontal Plastic Surgery. Journal Of Clinical Periodontology. 2026. doi:10.1111/jcpe.70127