Tensile mechanical properties of human forearm tendons.
Previous studies of the mechanical properties of tendons in the upper limb have used embalmed specimens or sub-optimal methods of measurement. The aim of this study was to determine the biomechanical properties of all tendons from five fresh frozen cadaveric forearms using updated methodology. The cross-sectional area of tendons was accurately measured using a laser reflectance system. Tensile testing was done in a precision servo-hydraulic device with cryo-clamp fixation. We determined that the cross-sectional area of some tendons is variable and directly influences the calculated material properties; visual estimation of this is unreliable. Data trends illustrate that digital extensor tendons possess the greatest tensile strength and a higher Young's modulus than other tendon types.
Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
J F
JF
Weber
Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
A M R
AM
Agur
Regional Paediatric Burns and Plastic Surgery Service, Alder Hey Children's NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, UK.
A Y
AY
Fattah
School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada.
K D
KD
Gordon
School of Engineering, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada moliver@uoguelph.ca.
M L
ML
Oliver
D000368:Aged; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena / Q000502:physiology; D002102:Cadaver; D005260:Female; D005542:Forearm / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D013710:Tendons / Q000502:physiology*; D013718:Tensile Strength / Q000502:physiology*
Human forearm tendons; cross-sectional area determination; mechanical properties; tendon transfer