orthopedics) to #11-0 (fine monofilament suture for ophthalmics). atraumatic needles are manufactured in all shapes for most sizes. the actual diameter of thread for a given u.s.p. size differs depending on the suture material class. uspdesignationcollagendiameter (mm)synthetic absorbablediameter (mm)non-absorbablediameter (mm)american wire gauge 11-00.01 10-00.020.020.02 9-00.030.030.03 8-00.050.040.04 7-00.070.050.05 6-00.10.070.0738–40 5-00.150.10.135–38 4-00.20.150.1532–34 3-00.30.20.229–32 2-00.350.30.328 00.40.350.3526–27 10.50.40.425–26 20.60.50.523–24 30.70.60.622 40.80.60.621–22 50.70.720–21 60.819–20 718 techniques