Abstract
The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of two different biomechanical configurations on the tensile properties of equine patellar tendons. The study looked at a comparison of straight untwisted patellar tendons and double stranded, twisted specimens. The aim was to attempt a more anatomical Anterior Cruciate Ligament configuration when performing reconstruction using the patellar tendon.
Thirty four specimens were harvested and each sample group consisted of a pair of equine ligaments taken from the same animal. The first of the pair served as an ‘untwisted, straight ligament’ control group and the second as the ‘twisted, double stranded test group’. The ligament dimensions were measured for each specimen and the specimen was mounted on an Instron Series 4411© tensile testing machine and tensile load was applied until failure.
Results showed a clearly statistically significant reduction in the tensile properties (p< 0.005) of the twisted double stranded specimens which was against our original hypothesis. The results indicated that the twisted double stranded ligaments had only 65% of the tensile strength of their untwisted counterparts. Similar reductions were demonstrated when calculating energy to yield point and load at zero point yield stress. The results also demonstrated a significant reduction in the stiffness (Young’s Modulus) between the two test configurations.
The application of a double stranded twist to the patellar tendon confers no advantage in terms of tensile property of the ligament. In fact the application of such a model may cause significant reduction in strength and stiffness of the construct which may lead to early failure of the ACL patellar tendon autograft.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Richard Buxton. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Bankton Cottage, 21 Bankton Park, Kingskettle, Cupar, Fife KY15 7PY, United Kingdom
