Cotton sutures are characterized by which properties?

• A. Low tissue reactivity and strong
• B. High tissue reactivity and weak strength
• C. Excellent knot security
• D. Low infection risk

Answer: (B)

Cotton sutures are natural plant-based fibers, so their behavior in tissue reflects that organic origin. They tend to provoke a relatively strong inflammatory response, meaning high tissue reactivity when placed in tissue. At the same time, their tensile strength is relatively weak compared to many synthetic or silk sutures, and they don’t offer reliable knot security. Because of these drawbacks, they’re not characterized by low infection risk or by excellent knot security. The combination of high tissue reactivity and weaker strength best captures their properties.