Monocryl

MonocrylTM is a synthetic, absorbable suture manufactured by Ethicon. It is comprised of poliglecaprone 25, which is a copolymer of glycolide and epsilon-caprolactone. It comes both dyed (violet) and undyed (clear), and is a monofilament suture.

It is generally used for soft-tissue approximation and ligation. It is used frequently for subcuticular dermis closures of the face. It has less of a tendancy to exit through the skin after it breaks down, such as Vicryl. It is contraindicated for use in cardiovascular and neurologic tissues, and for usage in opthalmic and microsurgery.

Monocryl has a low tissue reactivity, maintains high tensile strength, and has a half-life of 7 to 14 days. At 1 week, its in vivo tensile strength is at 50-60% undyed (60-70% dyed), at 2 weeks its 20-30% undyed (30-40% dyed), and is essentially completely hydrolized by 91-119 days. When removed from the package, it has a high degree of "memory", or coil. It is slippery, making it easier to pass than a braided suture. It has a consistency close to nylon suture material. It is rarely used for percutaneous skin closure, and is not used in areas of high tension (e.g. fascia).