[Load capacity of capsule and tendon tissue].
The data referred to in this article show that the load capacity values of capsular and tendinous tissue are significantly higher than had been assumed so far; this applies to the macroscopic as well as the microscopic and submicroscopic ranges and is also based on our own experimental studies, which were mainly focussed on load capacity and tissue damage. For example, the tear resistance to static load is 50% higher and to dynamic load 100% higher than most of the maximum load data known so far. Thus, the dynamic tear resistance exceeds the static resistance by one third. The maximum load capacity decreases with increasing age; the peak value is attained at about the third decade of life. Tear resistance is related to the smallest cross-section of the tendon. It has been safely established that cross-section and tear resistance decrease with advancing age. There is definite mathematical and histological proof that even a healthy tendon can tear under unfavourable load conditions and can thus well be the weakest link in a healthy muscle-tendon-bone system. This fact assumes increasing importance in these times of increasing leisure and sports activities practised by persons of all age brackets. The commonly used terms of "load" and "load capacity" thus acquire a new dimension. We know that the load exercised on a tendon is permanently increased especially in sports activities. We also know that load capacity can be promoted. Hence, it depends on us to learn how to master the functioning of the tendon and to develop measures to help to avoid acute and chronic tendon damage.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Chirurgische Klinik Innenstadt, München.
K
K
Wilhelm
T
T
Kreusser
D000125:Achilles Tendon / Q000502:physiology; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D009132:Muscles / Q000502:physiology; D013177:Sports; D013710:Tendons / Q000502:physiology*
Belastbarkeit von Kapsel- und Sehnengewebe.