The simple interrupted stitch is a suturing technique used to close wounds. It is the most commonly used technique in the closure of skin. It is known as an interrupted stitch because the individual stitches aren't connected. Placing and tying each stitch individually is time-consuming, but this technique keeps the wound together even if one suture fails. It is relatively easy to place and simple. The knot crosses the wound perpendicularly. The knots should not be left over the wound, but placed to one side in order to allow a correct cicatrization and make the removal of the stitches easier.
- Advantages. Compared with running sutures, interrupted sutures are easy to place, have greater tensile strength, and have less potential for causing wound edema and impaired cutaneous circulation. Interrupted sutures also allow the surgeon to make adjustments as needed to properly align wound edges as the wound is sutured.
- Disadvantages of interrupted sutures include the length of time required for their placement and the greater risk of crosshatched marks (ie, train tracks) across the suture line. The risk of crosshatching can be minimized by removing sutures early to prevent the development of suture tracks.