Photo by Suzanne Neubauer

Figure of eight

Quick and effective way to achieve hemostasis (e.g. scalp bleed needs to get to CT ASAP). Beats a staple every time.

Vertical mattress

Suitable for deeper high-tension wounds—acts as a “two-layer” closure

Horizontal mattress

Suitable for more superficial high-tension wounds, helps approximate tissues to complete repair. Consider removing after closure is complete as does have higher theoretical risk of tissue strangulation

Corner stitch

Effective way to approximate wound edges, can be left in or removed after closure complete

Running stitch

Quicker way to repair long linear lacerations

Running-locking stitch:

Same advantages as running but more effectively maintains tension across non-linear lacs