What type of suture material is supramid and what are the characteristics?

• A. Polyamide 6, non-absorbable synthetic multifilament
• B. Polyamide 6, absorbable synthetic multifilament
• C. Nylon, non-absorbable monofilament
• D. Polydioxanone, non-absorbable monofilament

Answer: (A)

Suture materials are categorized by the polymer type, whether they are absorbable or non-absorbable, and whether they are monofilament or multifilament. Supramid is nylon, which is a polyamide. It is non-absorbable, meaning it does not break down in tissue over time. It is braided, i.e., multifilament, which gives good handling and knot security but can increase tissue drag and the potential for harboring bacteria compared with monofilament sutures. Putting these together, supramid is best described as polyamide 6, non-absorbable synthetic multifilament. It is not absorbable, not monofilament, and not a different polymer like polydioxanone.