A word used in both an anatomical and a surgical sense. (1) Anatomically, suture is a type of immovable joint, found particularly in the SKULL, including the coronal suture (between the frontal and parietal bones); the lamboidal suture (between the parietal and occipital bones); and the sagittal suture (between the two parietal bones). (2) Surgically the word refers either to the technique of closing a wound, or to the material used. Stitching methods have been developed for gastrointestinal, neurological, dermatological and other forms of surgery, and include laser surgery and removable clips or staples. The material used is generally divided into mono?lament, twisted or braided. Absorbable sutures – used for internal stitching
– include catgut, Vicryl® and Dexon®. Nonabsorbable sutures include silk, nylon and prolene. The type used and time of suture-removal depend upon the site and general state of the patient. Those patients on steroids who have a malignant or infective disorder heal slowly, and their sutures may need to stay in for 14 days or more instead of the usual 5–8 days.... suture
a technique in which a compression suture is applied to the uterus, which can be used in cases of severe *postpartum haemorrhage as an alternative to an emergency hysterectomy. A pair of vertical sutures are inserted around the uterus to appose the anterior and posterior walls and to apply continuous compression, which stems the bleeding. [C. Balogun-Lynch (21st century), British obstetrician and gynaecologist]... b-lynch brace suture
adj. relating to the crown of the head or of a tooth. The coronal plane divides the body into dorsal and ventral parts (see illustration overleaf).... coronal
(delayed primary closure) a technique used in the closure of contaminated wounds and wounds associated with tissue necrosis, such as those produced by missile injuries. The wound is partially closed after it has been cleaned sufficiently to allow adequate healing.... delayed suture
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