How to switch posts without rethreading when tying half-hitches

Abstract

Arthroscopically tied stacked half-hitch knots and sliding knots are best locked with half-hitches on alternating posts. It is possible to switch posts without rethreading the suture through the knot tier by flipping the half-hitch. This article describes extra- and intra-articular techniques for flipping half-hitches to switch posts. The post switching is most easily accomplished by transforming the half-hitch to an intermediate flat knot with symmetrical throws. This intermediate step is imperceptible when the sequence of actions is rapid. An over-under half-hitch becomes an under-over half- hitch when the post is switched.