How long does Monocryl retain strength and when is it absorbed?

Typical tensile strength retention is roughly half at about one week and around a quarter at two weeks, with complete absorption usually by 90–120 days.

When is Monocryl recommended?

It’s favored for subcuticular/intradermal closures, subcutaneous tissue, and other clean, low-tension sites that heal quickly.

When should Monocryl be avoided?

Use caution or choose longer-lasting materials for slow-healing or high-tension tissues (e.g., fascia, tendons) and in contaminated or infected fields.

How does Monocryl compare with PDS and Vicryl?

Monocryl is a smooth, fast-absorbing monofilament; PDS retains strength longer for deeper tissues; Vicryl is braided with excellent knot security but more tissue drag.

What handling characteristics should I expect?

It passes smoothly and is pliable but, like many monofilaments, has some memory—proper square knots and extra throws improve knot security.

What sizes and needles are common in small animals?

Often 3-0 to 5-0 on reverse-cutting needles for intradermal/subcuticular closures and taper needles for subcutaneous or mucosal tissues, depending on patient and tension.

What adverse effects can occur?

Tissue reaction is typically low; potential issues include early loss of support in high-tension areas, knot slippage if poorly tied, and rare inflammatory responses.

Veterinary Education & Careers

Understanding Monocryl Suture in Veterinary Medicine

Q: What is Monocryl suture?

Monocryl is the trade name for poliglecaprone 25, a synthetic absorbable monofilament commonly used for fast-healing soft-tissue closures in veterinary surgery.

Monocryl (poliglecaprone 25) is an absorbable monofilament suture widely used in veterinary soft-tissue surgery. It glides smoothly, triggers minimal tissue reaction, loses most strength in 1–2 weeks, and fully absorbs by ~90–120 days—ideal for fast-healing closures.

John Constantine

04 Nov 2025 • 2 min read

What Is Monocryl Suture?

Monocryl is the trade name for a synthetic, absorbable monofilament suture material made primarily from poliglecaprone 25. It was developed by Ethicon (a Johnson & Johnson company) and has become a commonly used suture in both human and veterinary surgery. Because Monocryl is a monofilament, it consists of a single smooth strand rather than multiple braided fibers, which gives it distinct handling and healing properties.

How Monocryl Works

Monocryl is designed to hold tissues together temporarily while they heal, then gradually absorb into the body. The absorption occurs through hydrolysis, a process in which water in the tissue breaks down the suture material into harmless byproducts that are metabolized and excreted. In veterinary patients, Monocryl typically loses about 50–60% of its tensile strength within one week and is completely absorbed within 90–120 days, depending on species, tissue type, and overall health.

Uses of Monocryl in Veterinary Medicine

Monocryl is popular in soft tissue surgeries where rapid healing is expected and long-term support is not required. Common veterinary uses include:

Subcutaneous and intradermal closures (especially in dogs and cats)
Spay/neuter incisions (for buried skin sutures)
Gastrointestinal or urogenital surgery where quick healing is anticipated
Mucosal and submucosal tissues

Because Monocryl is absorbable and has a smooth texture, it is well tolerated by tissues and minimizes inflammation compared to some older materials.

Key Characteristics of Monocryl

Material: Poliglecaprone 25 (synthetic copolymer)
Structure: Monofilament (single strand)
Absorption: Complete in 90–120 days
Tensile Strength Retention: ~50–60% at 1 week, ~20–30% at 2 weeks
Tissue Reaction: Minimal; very low inflammation
Handling: Smooth, good pliability, but can have more “memory” (tendency to return to coil shape) than braided sutures

These properties make Monocryl an excellent choice for clean, rapidly healing wounds, though it may not be suitable where longer-term tensile strength is required.

Comparison with Other Suture Types

Feature	Monocryl	PDS II (Polydioxanone)	Vicryl (Polyglactin 910)
Type	Monofilament	Monofilament	Braided
Absorbable	Yes	Yes	Yes
Tensile Strength Duration	Short (1–2 weeks)	Long (4–6 weeks)	Moderate (2–3 weeks)
Tissue Reaction	Minimal	Minimal	Slightly higher (due to braiding)
Knot Security	Good	Good	Excellent
Common Uses	Subcuticular, intradermal, mucosa	Fascia, muscle layers	Soft tissue, ligatures

Compared to Vicryl, Monocryl glides more easily through tissue and causes less drag since it’s a monofilament. However, it doesn’t provide as much knot security or long-lasting strength. Compared to PDS, Monocryl absorbs faster, making it better for short-term applications but unsuitable for areas that require prolonged support.

Advantages of Monocryl in Veterinary Use

Smooth passage through tissue with minimal drag
Excellent handling and flexibility
Rapid absorption — ideal for fast-healing sites
Low tissue reactivity — reduces risk of irritation or abscess formation
Predictable absorption profile

Limitations and Considerations

Loses strength quickly — not ideal for slow-healing tissues (e.g., fascia, tendons)
Slight “memory” can make knot tying more challenging
Should not be used where prolonged wound support is needed

Conclusion

Monocryl suture is a trusted, absorbable option in veterinary surgery, particularly valued for its smooth handling, low tissue reaction, and predictable absorption. It shines in soft tissue procedures that heal quickly, such as subcutaneous closures and skin suturing. While not suitable for all cases—especially those requiring long-term tensile strength—Monocryl remains a go-to choice for veterinarians seeking a clean, reliable closure with minimal tissue trauma.