A carpal ligament substitute part 1: polyester suture.

We have searched for a synthetic substitute for the carpal ligaments, which would be widely available and easy to use. Four loops of 2-0 polyester fiber suture (Mersilene) were found to exceed the ultimate tensile strength of the scapholunate interosseous ligament. This construct approximates a normal ligament stress/strain curve and can theoretically facilitate fibrous tissue ingrowth. It is readily available, easy to handle, and inexpensive. Based on these findings, we recommend the use of polyester suture in the reconstruction of carpal and other ligaments.