Surgeon's knot

The surgeon's knot is a surgical knot and is a simple modification to the reef knot. It adds an extra twist when tying the first throw, forming a double overhand knot. The additional turn provides more friction and can reduce loosening while the second half of the knot is tied.^[1] This knot is commonly used by surgeons in situations where it is important to maintain tension on a suture, giving it its name.^[2]

Surgeon's knot
The surgeon's knot before tightening showing the two twists in the bottom and the one on top
Names	Surgeon's knot, Ligature knot
Category	Binding
Category 2	Bend
Related	reef knot, Double overhand knot
ABoK	#461, #463, #1209

Surgeon's knots are also used in fly fishing, in tying quilts, and for tying knots with twine; it is particularly useful in tying raw meat with butcher's twine, as the wet meat creates similar risks of loosening as surgery. Some sources categorize the surgeon's knot as a bend, since it can be effective as such.^[3]

Like the reef knot, the surgeon's knot capsizes and fails if one of the working ends is pulled away from the standing end closest to it.^{[citation needed]}

Additional image

• 
  A surgeon's knot tied in nylon rope and tightened
• 
  Diagram of a surgeon's knot
• 
  Diagram of a reef knot

See also

• List of bend knots
• List of binding knots
• List of knots

References

1. Day, Cyrus Lawrence (1986). The Art of Knotting and Splicing (4th ed.). Annapolis: Naval Institute Press. p. 42. ISBN 978-0870210624.
2. Ashley, Clifford W. (1944). The Ashley Book of Knots. New York: Doubleday. p. 75. ISBN 978-0385040259.
3. Budworth, Geoffrey (1999). The Ultimate Encyclopedia of Knots. London: Hermes House. p. 54. ISBN 9781859679111.