What type of suture is silk categorized as?

Silk is categorized as a non-absorbable suture material. This means that when silk sutures are used in a medical procedure, they are designed to remain in the body and do not dissolve over time like absorbable sutures. Non-absorbable sutures are often used for skin closure or in areas where long-term support is needed, as they can provide durable strength to hold tissue together for an extended period.

While silk is biodegradable, the classification of suture material does not focus solely on biodegradability; instead, it specifies whether the suture will dissolve after a certain period. In this context, silk's primary classification as non-absorbable reflects its intended use in surgical practices where long-lasting support is essential.