Surgeon's Knot
( Ligature Knot | ABOK #461 )
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Usage
The Surgeon's Knot is a variation of the Square Knot (Reef Knot), created by adding an extra twist in the first throw to increase friction and security under tension. This added friction helps prevent slippage, especially in situations where tension needs to be maintained, such as in surgical sutures. While commonly used by surgeons, the knot has found utility in various other applications, including tying quilts, and working with twine.
Common Uses
- tie a bandage or dressing flat against the body with extra security.
- bind a package or parcel where the first wrap must hold while finishing.
- tie butcher's twine around wet meat where a regular knot would slip.
- secure a quilt or fabric layers together with a flat binding knot.
- maintain tension on a suture during surgery.
Also known as
- Ligature Knot
ABOK
- 461
Structure
When correctly tied, the two tails lie on the same side of the knot — the same side as the single twist.
Strength/Reliability
Similar to the Square (Reef) Knot, the Surgeon's Knot can capsize and fail if one of the working ends is pulled away from its adjacent standing end.
