Suture materials are divided into three main groups. Which of the following describes these groups?

• A. Absorption, origin and fibre construction
• B. Absorption, origin and fibre composition
• C. Absorption, origin and fibre pattern
• D. Absorption, origin and fibre morphology

Answer: (A)

Suture materials are categorized by three practical aspects that affect how they perform in tissue: how long they last in the body, what they are made from, and how the filament is constructed. Absorption tells you whether the suture will be broken down and absorbed by the body over time or remain non-absorbable. Origin distinguishes natural materials from synthetic ones, which influences tissue reaction and handling. Fibre construction refers to whether the filament is monofilament (a single strand) or multifilament/braided (multiple strands braided together), a difference that affects handling, knot security, and the potential for bacterial harboring. This combination—absorption, origin, and fibre construction—best captures the main practical differences you need to consider when selecting a suture. The other terms focus on more specific attributes (composition, pattern, morphology) rather than the standard three-way framework used in everyday classification.