Paralysis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Paralysis, including details on treatment, diagnosis, facial paralysis, sleep paralysis.

Suture biomechanics and static facial suspension.

Humphrey CD, McIff TE, Sykes KJ, Tsue TT, Kriet JD

Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA. chumphrey@kumc.edu

BACKGROUND: Static facial suspension (SFS) continues to play a role for rehabilitation in patients with facial paralysis. We perform SFS almost exclusively with a suture technique in our practice. Monofilament polypropylene suture (Prolene) is commonly used for SFS, but we have witnessed occasional failure and some stretching with this material. The purpose of this study was to establish and compare the biomechanical properties of 3 suture types-polypropylene, polybutilate-coated braided polyester (PBCP) (Ethibond Excel), and braided polyester impregnated with polytetrafluoroethylene (PIP) (Tevdek)-to assess their suitability for SFS. METHODS: Six samples of 0, 2-0, and 3-0 polypropylene, PBCP, and PIP were tested. The mean load to failure was calculated for each suture type. Stiffness and elongation at specific loads were calculated to compare stretch between materials. RESULTS: The load to failure of PBCP and PIP was significantly greater than that for polypropylene for all suture sizes. In addition, PBCP and PIP had significantly less elongation than did polypropylene at clinically relevant loads. CONCLUSIONS: Both PBCP and PIP had superior load-bearing properties and decreased stretch when compared with polypropylene. These properties suggest that, for SFS with suture, use of PBCP or PIP may reduce the incidence of breakage and elongation, improving outcomes.

Published 23 May 2007 in Arch Facial Plast Surg, 9(3): 188-93.
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