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Structure and Function of Normal and Healing Tendons and Ligaments

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Biomechanics of Diarthrodial Joints

Abstract

The structure and function of tendons and ligaments are intimately interrelated. The structural arrangement of these parallel-fibered collagenous tissues is similar to rope-building; from the α chains in the collagen molecule itself up to the level of fibrils the principle is thus helicality that changes handedness on consecutive levels of organization. This arrangement, which is comparable to rope-tightening, renders stability and strength to the tissue - collagen is the strongest protein in the mammalian organism. On higher levels of organization there is “only” planar waviness, which contributes to the properties during the initial part of the stress-strain curve.

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Authors
  1. A. Viidik
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Orthopaedic Research Laboratory Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia College of Physicians & Surgeons, 10032, New York, NY, USA

    Anthony Ratcliffe

  2. Divisions of Orthopaedics, University of California, 92093, San Diego La Jolla, CA, USA

    Savio L-Y. Woo

  3. Orthopaedic Research Laboratory Department of Mechanical Engineering and Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University, 10032, New York, NY, USA

    Van C. Mow

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Viidik, A. (1990). Structure and Function of Normal and Healing Tendons and Ligaments. In: Ratcliffe, A., Woo, S.LY., Mow, V.C. (eds) Biomechanics of Diarthrodial Joints. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3448-7_1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4612-3448-7_1

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