Which suture technique is used on thick skin (like the palms and soles) and is excellent for everting tissue edges?

Which suture technique is used on thick skin (like the palms and soles) and is excellent for everting tissue edges?

• A. Horizontal Mattress
• B. Vertical Mattress
• C. Simple Interrupted
• D. Continuous Running

Answer: (A)

When you’re repairing thick, inelastic skin such as the palms or soles, you want a suture pattern that distributes tension over a broad area and reliably everts the wound edges. The horizontal mattress accomplishes this by taking two parallel bites that cross the wound edge and are tied to pull the tissue outward rather than compressing it inward. This broad, crosswise configuration spreads forces across a wider portion of the skin, which helps prevent tearing and keeps the edges everted as healing proceeds. It’s especially useful in tough, thick skin where a simple pattern might not hold edges well or where precise eversion is needed. If the suture is too tight, it can cause tissue strangulation, so adjust tension to maintain eversion without overt compression. While other patterns can also evert tissue, the horizontal mattress is best suited for thick skin due to its effective distribution of tension and reliable edge eversion.

When you’re repairing thick, inelastic skin such as the palms or soles, you want a suture pattern that distributes tension over a broad area and reliably everts the wound edges. The horizontal mattress accomplishes this by taking two parallel bites that cross the wound edge and are tied to pull the tissue outward rather than compressing it inward. This broad, crosswise configuration spreads forces across a wider portion of the skin, which helps prevent tearing and keeps the edges everted as healing proceeds. It’s especially useful in tough, thick skin where a simple pattern might not hold edges well or where precise eversion is needed. If the suture is too tight, it can cause tissue strangulation, so adjust tension to maintain eversion without overt compression. While other patterns can also evert tissue, the horizontal mattress is best suited for thick skin due to its effective distribution of tension and reliable edge eversion.