Abstract

Reference is made to the anatomical and physiological importance of treating joint ligaments especially those of the knee, as building materials, and therefore subjecting them to mechanical tests. In this connection, an account is given of tests carried out on human and animal ligaments, not limited to those of the knee, and a critical assessment is made of the measurement modalities and methodologies employed, with an additional reference to tests on other collagen structures, particularly human and animal tendons. Lastly, mechanical tests from which the most significant results can be expected are explained. At the same time, an indication is given of parameters that can be correctly measured (e.g. stiffness, the ultimate load of a ligament) under suitable conditions, and those whose evaluation demands the elaboration of appropriate methods (e.g. local elongation, longitudinal modulus of elasticity). Verf.-Referat