Abstract
Tensile testing of repaired tendons has been used to assess the efficacy of repair techniques. However, individuals flex and extend fingers at rates higher than those typically used for testing. This study characterized the effect of loading rate on the failure strength of repaired canine flexor tendons. Thirty-six canine flexor digitorum profundus tendons were lacerated, repaired, and tested at three displacement rates: 0.33. mm/s; 84. mm/s; and 590. mm/s. Peak force and stiffness of the repairs were evaluated. Peak force was significantly greater (p<0.05) for tendons distracted at 590. mm/s than at 0.33. mm/s. Crosshead stiffness was significantly greater for tendons distracted at 590. mm/s than at either 84. mm/s or 0.33. mm/s. The predominant failure mode was core suture knot untying. Distracting tendons at slow loading rates provides a conservative assessment of tendon repair strength. Additionally, an estimate of the failure load of this repair for different clinical events has been identified.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 2939-2942 |
Number of pages | 4 |
Journal | Journal of Biomechanics |
Volume | 45 |
Issue number | 16 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Nov 15 2012 |
Keywords
- Kinematics
- Mechanical testing
- Rate dependence
- Suture
- Tendon repair
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Biophysics
- Rehabilitation
- Biomedical Engineering
- Orthopedics and Sports Medicine