Knot Tying and Suturing Primer

Pictured: My first neurosurgery case when I was an MS3 at the great Howard University College of Medicine. Placing screws into metal plates to help anchor the bone flap removed to evacuate blood from a subdural hematoma. An experience that changed my life forever.

Ever since my first neurosurgery case as a 3rd year medical student (pictured right), I knew there was nothing more exciting and rewarding than the field of surgery. I created this comprehensive primer on knot tying and suturing for not only my own further study but also to help others master the art. Whether it be preparing for your first OR experience as a medical student or you just need a quick refresher as a resident, I hope these videos will be helpful!

I built these lessons around my own tying and suturing boards but feel free to just grab a piece of string and practice on your white coat :)

Hope you will enjoy the journey! Let’s go! - Rob

For this series, I am reading “Suture like a Surgeon” by M. Mastenbjork MD and S. Meloni MD.

Chapter I: Intro

Chapter 2: Purpose and Basic Principles of Suturing

Chapter 3: The Surgical Knot

Part 1: Anatomy and Properties of an ideal knot

Part 2: Principles of Knot Tying

Part 3: Two Handed Ties

Part 4: One Handed Ties

Part 5: Square Knot

Part 6: Granny Knot

Part 7: Slip Knot

Part 8: Reef Knot

Part 9: Miller’s Knot

Part 10: Aberdeen Knot

Part 11: Half Blood Knot

Part 12: Forwarder Knot

Part 13: Delimar Knot

Part 14: Constrictor Knot

Chapter 4: Basics Sutures

Part 1: Simple Interrupted Suture

Part 2: Simple Running Suture

Part 3: Vertical Mattress Suture

Part 4: Horizontal Mattress Suture

Part 5: Figure-Of-8 Suture

Part 6: Interrupted Cruciate Suture/Cruciate Mattress Suture

Chapter 5: Advanced Sutures

Part 1: Hybrid Sutures

Part 2: Dermal Sutures/Subcuticular Sutures

Part 3: Purse String Suture

Part 4: Winch Suture

Part 5: Cross Suture

Part 6: Lembert Suture

Part 7: Lattice Suture

Part 8: Combined Vertical Mattress Dermal Suture

Part 9: Kessler’s Locking Loop

Part 10: Cushing Suture

Part 11: Running Pleated Suture

Part 12: Frost Suture

Part 13: Bolster Suture