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
See also
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List of bend knots
A list is a set of discrete items of information collected and set forth in some format for utility, entertainment, or other purposes. A list may be memorialized in any number of ways, including existing only in the mind of the list-maker, but ...
*
List of binding knots
*
List of knots
This list of knots includes many alternative names for common knots and lashings. Knot names have evolved over time, and there are many conflicting or confusing naming issues. The overhand knot, for example, is also known as the thumb knot. The ...
References
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Surgical procedures and techniques
Jewellery making
Fishing knots