Investigation of predictor variables for tensile properties of patellar tendon autograft
The reconstruction of the ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) through the utilization of graft materials is a routine surgical procedure. The patellar tendon has become the most popular graft material for ACL reconstruction since its introduction by Jones in 1963 . The ease with which the graft can be set in the bone tunnel and its high strength are the main reasons for its popularity in ACL reconstruction surgeries. Both allografts and autografts of patellar tendon are regularly used for ACL reconstruction.
www.orthoassociates.com
Although the impact of aging on the properties of the patellar tendon (PT) has been studied, some inconsistencies exits that need be addressed. Also, the effect of donor sex on the mechanical properties of the PT has not been established yet. Also, presently, predictors of mechanical properties of the patellar tendon, used as an autogenous graft in ACL reconstruction surgeries, are not available. Uniaxial tension tests were performed to determine the effects of donor age and sex on the mechanical properties of twenty unpaired patellar tendons .
No evidence of sex-based or age-based differences in any of the mechanical properties of the patellar tendon was found. Furthermore, it was determined that the ultimate tensile strength, elastic modulus , and strain energy density , of the patellar tendon were significantly correlated to its mass density. Thus, the mass density of the patellar tendon may be considered as indicator of mechanical properties of patellar tendon or graft quality. Currently, research related use of CT scan to predict patellar tendon mass density in vivo is in progress.
TTU, Mechanical Engineering Dept., 7th and Boston, Lubbock, TX 79409
(806) 742-3563