Sutures and Wound Repair/ General Surgery (ABSA) Practice Test

What kind of stitch is similar to the mattress suture but tighter and provides more tension?

1. Simple interrupted suture

2. Vertical mattress suture

3. Horizontal mattress suture

4. Basketweave suture

The correct answer is: Vertical mattress suture

The vertical mattress suture is a technique that shares similarities with the mattress suture, but it is specifically designed to provide greater tension and stability in wound closure. This suture configuration allows for deeper penetration into the tissue, which helps to evert the wound edges more effectively than simpler suture types. This eversion is crucial in surgical repairs, particularly for avoiding complications such as wound dehiscence or improper healing. The vertical mattress suture achieves this increased tension through its unique stitch pattern, which includes a vertical component that brings tissue edges together tightly, creating a more robust and durable attachment. This tension ensures that the wound is closed securely and can withstand various forces, which is especially beneficial in high-tension areas of the body. In contrast, simpler interrupted sutures do not provide the same level of tension or edge eversion. Horizontal mattress sutures, while they also provide some tension, do so in a way that is less effective than vertical mattress sutures at providing upward force for eversion. The basketweave suture is more complex and is primarily used for different purposes, such as securing skin grafts, rather than creating a tighter closure. Thus, the vertical mattress suture is the most appropriate choice for achieving a tighter stitch with