Experimental suture studies in strabismus surgery

Abstract

We described a method for measuring the in vivo tensile strength of the muscle-scleral junction in rabbits. Data obtained on the reattachment time of extraocular muscles after recession and resection operations indicate the rate of healing is similar for both operations. Adequate wound healing is present by the 5th day after surgery, and sutures are probably unnecessary after 8 to 9 days. An ideal suture for strabismus surgery would be one that retains its strength during the first 8 to 9 days following surgery, then undergoes rapid absorption.

Late Complications of 7–0 Polyglycolic (Dexon) Sutures in Cataract Surgery

“…A t 28 days after surgery there is no measurable breaking strength left. T h e tensile strength of 5-0 Dexon sutures after extraocular muscle surgery in rabbits gives a similar result (Apt et al 1976).…”

“…From experimental studies, both after implantation in tissues other than the eye and after extraocular muscle surgery, it appears that the tensile strength of polyglycolic acid sutures follows a uniform progressively decreasing pattern (Katz &. Turner 1970;Craig et al 1975; Apt et al 1976).…”