(1) A type of immovable joint, found particularly in the SKULL and including the coronal suture (between the frontal and parietal bones); the lambdoidal suture (between the parietal and occipital bones); and the sagittal suture (between the two parietal bones). (2) The technique of closing a surgical wound or the material used to do so. Suturing methods have been developed for gastrointestinal, neurological, dermatological and other forms of surgery, and include laser surgery and removable clips or staples. The material used is generally divided into monofilament, twisted or braided. Absorbable sutures – used for internal stitching – include catgut, Vicryl® and Dexon®. Non-absorbable sutures include silk, nylon and prolene. The type used and time of suture-removal depends upon the site and general state of the patient. Those patients on steroids who have a malignant or infective disorder heal slowly, and their sutures may need to stay in for longer than the usual 5–8 days.