To end continuous suture, either a square knot, surgeon’s knot or an Aberdeen knot is required. The Aberdeen knot has been shown to be superior to a surgeon’s knot.
Recommendations on number of throws:
- Basic Surgical Skills Course, 2002 (RCS): 6
- Schaaf et.al., 2009: 4
- Stott et.al., 2007: 3
Technique/Steps:
- Finish the continuous suture pattern.
- Pull the final loop of the suture loose.
- Pull the free end of the suture through the final loop whilst creating the loop with the free end.
- Pull the new loop with the free end created tight. This equals one throw.
- Place more throws in the same way as per the recommendations.
- To end, pull the free end through the loop completely without creating a new loop.