A horizontal mattress suture is a type of suture that is used to close wounds. It is characterized by two parallel stitches that are placed perpendicular to the wound edge. The first stitch is placed through the skin on one side of the wound, about 4-8 mm from the edge. The needle is then passed through the skin on the opposite side of the wound, at the same distance from the edge. The suture is then tied, creating a loop of suture material that sits on top of the skin. The second stitch is then placed through the skin on the same side of the wound as the first stitch, but about 1 cm away from the first stitch. The needle is then passed through the skin on the opposite side of the wound, at the same distance from the edge as the first stitch. The suture is then tied, creating a second loop of suture material that sits on top of the skin.
Horizontal mattress sutures are commonly used to close wounds that are under tension or that are prone to gaping. They are also used to evert (turn outward) the edges of a wound, which helps to prevent the wound from closing inward and forming a scar.
Here are the steps on how to perform a horizontal mattress suture:
- Prepare the wound by cleaning it with soap and water.
- Anesthetize the area around the wound.
- Insert the needle through the skin on one side of the wound, about 4-8 mm from the edge.
- Pass the needle through the skin on the opposite side of the wound, at the same distance from the edge.
- Tie the suture, creating a loop of suture material that sits on top of the skin.
- Insert the needle through the skin on the same side of the wound as the first stitch, but about 1 cm away from the first stitch.
- Pass the needle through the skin on the opposite side of the wound, at the same distance from the edge as the first stitch.
- Tie the suture, creating a second loop of suture material that sits on top of the skin.
- Repeat steps 6-8 until the wound is closed.
It is important to note that horizontal mattress sutures should only be placed by a qualified healthcare professional. If you have a wound that requires stitches, please see a doctor or other healthcare provider.