Assessment of Needle Point Behavior in Cartilage: Investigating Puncture Force and Suture Retention.

Abstract

Suturing cartilage can be challenging, especially when tissue shredding occurs due to repeated needle passes. The study aimed to evaluate two primary outcomes: (1) to evaluate the force required to puncture cartilage and (2) the suture retention strength, comparing two distinct needle geometries. Puncture force and tear-through force were measured with a tensiometer and fresh rabbit ear cartilage. Taper point needles tested included: RB-1 on 3-0 Monocryl, TF on 4-0 Monocryl, BB on 5-0 Prolene, and C-1 on 5-0 Prolene. Reverse cutting needles included: PS-2 on 3-0 Monocryl, P-3 on 4-0, PS-3 on 5-0, and P-3 on 5-0 Prolene. The mean force required to puncture cartilage with RB-1, TF, and C-1 needles was 0.66 Newtons (N), 0.90 N, and 0.69 N. For PS-2, 4-0 P-3, and 5-0 P-3 needles, the mean puncture force was 0.63 N, 0.74 N, and 0.61 N, respectively. The mean tear-through force of cartilage with sutures placed by RB-1, TF, BB, PS-2, P-3, PS-3 needles was 14 N, 16.03 N, 10.24 N, 9.91 N, 13.5 N, and 8.57 N, respectively. Although both needle geometries require similar puncture forces, reverse cutting needles demonstrated a higher propensity for cartilage tearing. These findings suggest that taper point needles may offer superior retention and diminished cartilage trauma for suturing cartilage.