A high strength abrasion resistant surgical suture material with improved tie down characteristics and tissue compliance with braided yarns formed of ether-ketone variant. The suture features a multifilament jacket formed of braided yarns of ether-ketone variant, optionally braided with yarns of polyester, silk, nylon, ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene or aramid fibers. The braided jacket surrounds a core formed of twisted yarns of ether-ketone variant or ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene. The suture has exceptional strength, is ideally suited for most orthopedic procedures, and can be attached to a suture anchor or a curved needle.