Abstract: A suture or fixation wire having a relatively high degree of elasticity is utilized in suturing or fixation procedures in soft tissue or bone, with improvements in corrosion and breakage resistance and with reduction of tissue trauma. The wire is comprised of a medical grade low carbon content stainless steel, formed under low vacuum conditions in a substantially oxygen free environment and subsequently cold drawn into the wire configuration. The forming process provides the requisite flexibility and enhanced corrosion and breakage resistance without detrimentally affecting holding power. Alternatively, a cobalt-chromium or titanium wire is annealed or otherwise treated such as by modification of the chemical composition to reduce tensile strength by at least 10% for enhanced flexibility. The cobalt-chromium or titanium wire, though not as flexible as the low vacuum formed stainless steel, is preferably used in applications wherein a metal prosthesis has been implanted in the body.