Suture glide is the capacity of the suture thread to pass smoothly through the tissue during placement, and is a function of its coefficient of friction.
The lower the coefficient of friction, the less the thread gets stuck and injures the tissues. Conversely, threads with a high coefficient of friction can have a saw effect as they pass through the tissues. Therefore, surgical threads should have a low coefficient of friction. However, knots tied in low-friction-coefficient threads tend to slip and come undone, which is a disadvantage where suturing and haemostasis ligatures are concerned.
Because of their very texture, monofilament threads usually glide very well, whereas braided threads with their uneven surface have a higher coefficient of friction. To reduce tissue trauma caused by braided threads, they are usually «coated».
Absorbable monofilament sutures have good glide characteristics and cause minor tissue damage because of the smooth structure of the thread. The glyconate in Monosyn® combines good glide with good knot security.

Glyconate is a copolymer made of 72% glycolide, 14% trimethylene carbonate and 14% Σ-caprolactone. This copolymer is degraded by hydrolysis. As it is the material used in Monosyn® and Monosyn® Quick, it gives these monofilament sutures flexibility, elasticity and strength, properties that are highly appreciated in plastic surgery.