The surgeon's knot is a surgical knot and is a simple modification to the

reef knot The reef knot, or square knot, is an ancient and simple binding knot used to secure a rope or line around an object. It is sometimes also referred to as a Hercules knot or Heracles knot. The knot is formed by tying a left-handed overhand 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. This knot is commonly used by surgeons in situations where it is important to maintain tension on a suture, giving it its name. 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. 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.

Additional image

Surgeon's knot.jpg, A surgeon's knot tied in nylon rope and tightened Chirurgenknoten 08.svg, Diagram of a surgeon's knot Square knot.svg, Diagram of a reef knot

References

{{knot-stub Surgical procedures and techniques Jewellery making Fishing knots

Additional image

See also

References