The lack of smoothness of suture material as the knot is tightened is referred to as what?

• A. Drag
• B. Chatter
• C. Friction
• D. Tension

Answer: (B)

The concept here is how the suture behaves as you tighten a knot. If the surface of the suture isn’t smooth or if the strands rub against each other as the knot is tightened, the material doesn’t glide evenly. That rough, irregular feeling or motion is described as suture chatter. It happens because interstrand friction and surface roughness prevent smooth passage of the knot, giving a chattering, uneven tightening rather than a clean, smooth one.

This is distinct from drag, which is the resistance the suture meets when passing through tissue; friction, a general term for resistance between surfaces, and tension, the force within the knot. In practice, minimizing chatter involves handling the suture gently, avoiding damaged or dirty surfaces, and using a suture type and technique that promote smoother glide when tying.