Assessment of Needle Point Behavior in Cartilage

Background Suturing cartilage can be challenging, especially when tissue shredding occurs due to repeated needle passes. The study aimed to evaluate two primary outcomes: (1) to evaluate the force required to puncture cartilage and (2) the suture retention strength, comparing two distinct needle geometries. Methods Puncture force and tear-through force were measured with a tensiometer and fresh rabbit ear cartilage. Taper point needles tested included: RB-1 on 3-0 Monocryl, TF on 4-0 Monocryl, BB on 5-0 Prolene, and C-1 on 5-0 Prolene. Reverse cutting needles included: PS-2 on 3-0 Monocryl, P-3 on 4-0, PS-3 on 5-0, and P-3 on 5-0 Prolene. Results The mean force required to puncture cartilage with RB-1, TF, and C-1 needles was 0.66 Newtons (N), 0.90 N, and 0.69 N. For PS-2, 4-0 P-3, and 5-0 P-3 needles, the mean puncture force was 0.63 N, 0.74 N, and 0.61 N, respectively. The mean tear-through force of cartilage with sutures placed by RB-1, TF, BB, PS-2, P-3, PS-3 needles was 14 N, 16.03 N, 10.24 N, 9.91 N, 13.5 N, and 8.57 N, respectively. Conclusions Although both needle geometries require similar puncture forces, reverse cutting needles demonstrated a higher propensity for cartilage tearing. These findings suggest that taper point needles may offer superior retention and diminished cartilage trauma for suturing cartilage.