Abstract

Hand-tying knots in open surgery is an easily overlooked fundamental

Author(s): Vincent Ng, David Flanigan

The skill of hand-tying knots in open surgery is typically passed down from residents to medical students early in training. A misconception among junior trainees and physician extenders, is that simply alternating overhand and underhand throws essentially “locks” a knot or creates a square knot. We illustrate the proper methods for tying basic surgical knots.