title: Linear and quasi-linear viscoelastic characterization of ankle ligaments.
abstract: The objective of this study was to produce linear and nonlinear viscoelastic models of eight major ligaments in the human ankle/foot complex for use in computer models of the lower extremity. The ligaments included in this study were the anterior talofibular (ATaF), anterior tibiofibular (ATiF), anterior tibiotalar (ATT), calcaneofibular (CF), posterior talofibular (PTaF), posterior tibiofibular (PTiF), posterior tibiotalar (PTT), and tibiocalcaneal (TiC) ligaments. Step relaxation and ramp tests were performed. Back-extrapolation was used to correct for vibration effects and the error introduced by the finite rise time in step relaxation tests. Ligament behavior was found to be nonlinear viscoelastic, but could be adequately modeled up to 15 percent strain using Fung's quasilinear viscoelastic (QLV) model. Failure properties and the effects of preconditioning were also examined.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical, Nuclear, and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville 22903, USA.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Funk
authors.forename: G W
authors.initials: GW
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Crandall
authors.forename: W D
authors.initials: WD
authors.lastname: Pilkey
mesh_terms: D000671:Amputation, Surgical; D000843:Ankle Joint; D015982:Bias; D004548:Elasticity; D005080:Exercise Test; D006801:Humans; D008023:Ligaments, Articular / Q000293:injuries* / Q000502:physiology*; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008954:Models, Biological; D017711:Nonlinear Dynamics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D013180:Sprains and Strains / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D014732:Vibration / Q000009:adverse effects; D014783:Viscosity