Suture Practice

1. Suture Practice Requirements for Medical Students Most programs require students master the two-handed, one-handed square knots, and instrument-tie square knots, how to load the needle driver, and how to suture tissue without tearing it or applying undue stress to the needle. Although your suture practice kit will provide the tools, these cannot replace hours of repetition needed for successful suture practice. Of course, some of the things to be aware of and avoid while practicing suturing techniques are: Skin inversion is caused by failing to enter skin at a perpendicular angle Half-hitches rather than square knot occur when the knot is not carefully inspected prior to tightening. Air-knots occur when insufficient tension is applied to the knots and between the surface and the knot. That said, your surgery practice kit will contain everything needed for hours of repetition needed to master the art of sutures. Repetition has been called the mother of learning and when it comes to suture practice, this is certainly true. The medical stiches kit may provide the tools needed, but without extensive and repeated practice they may remain in the kit. In the past, budding surgeons have used every manner of flesh to practice, from bananas to raw chicken to pig’s feet. Really, any of these will do and do well, for each can mimic human flesh in both the look and feel needed to understand how skin will move while suturing.