Editorial Commentary: Living in the Material World: Could Viscoelastic Properties of Sutures Impact Patient Outcomes?

The viscoelastic properties of suture may impact how soft tissue (such as the shoulder rotator cuff tendons) heals to bone and therefore may impact patient outcomes. Thus, it is logical to use suture material less likely to creep and elongate. Suture tape, in particular, may show superior biomechanical properties compared with standard sutures. However, in cadaveric studies, failure generally occurs at the tissue interface, rather than the suture material (or anchor). Thus, the quality and thickness of local tissue must be taken into consideration when determining postoperative rehabilitation or return to activity. Clinical outcome studies comparing suture materials remain elusive, but there is little reason not to use stronger suture material, and this is an option within the surgeon's control.