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Research in veterinary science1985; 39(3); 263-270;

In vitro mechanical properties of equine tendons in relation to cross-sectional area and collagen content.

Abstract: The mechanical properties of the deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT) and the suspensory ligament (SL) of the hindlimb of the horse were studied in vitro. The tendons were observed at several morphologically distinct sites. The loaded tendon is homogeneously strained, in spite of large variations in cross-sectional area. Consequently the modulus of elasticity was inversely proportional to the corresponding cross-sectional area and ranged from 738 MPa (megaPascal, N mm-2) to 1398 MPa within the DDFT, from 1000 MPa to 1282 MPa within the SDFT and from 576 MPa to 669 MPa within the SL. The collagen content was inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area and proportional to the modulus of elasticity. This stresses the influence of tendon composition on the mechanical properties, and also demonstrates the difficulty in judging the strength of a particular tendon or site within a tendon from its cross-sectional area. The respective tendons ruptured at strains of 10.0 per cent (DDFT), 12.3 per cent (SDFT) and 11.0 per cent (SL). The influence of strain rate on the modulus of elasticity is small, and these tendons may therefore be considered as non-linear elastic structures. The average hysteresis is about 5 per cent.
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Publication Date: 1985-11-01 PubMed ID: 4081329
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  • Journal Article

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The study investigates the mechanical properties of various tendons in a horse’s hindlimb. The research demonstrates that the elasticity and collagen content of the tendons are linked to their cross-sectional area, thereby affecting their strength.

Understanding the Research

The researchers studied three types of tendons within the hindlimb of a horse in vitro, meaning the study was carried out outside the living organism, in a controlled environment like a petri dish or lab setting. The deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT), the superficial digital flexor tendon (SDFT), and the suspensory ligament (SL) were observed at different sites for their mechanical properties.

  • The study noted that although the cross-sectional area of the loaded tendons varied significantly, they were homogeneously strained, leading to the understanding that the modulus of elasticity (measure of tendon’s stiffness) was inversely proportional to its cross-sectional area.
  • The elasticity within each type of tendon varied; the DDFT ranged from 738 MPa to 1398 MPa, the SDFT from 1000 MPa to 1282 MPa, and the SL from 576 MPa to 669 MPa.
  • The collagen content, a critical component of tendons, was found to be inversely proportional to the cross-sectional area and directly proportional to the modulus of elasticity. Thus, the strength of a tendon or a particular part of it cannot be solely judged on its cross-sectional area. The tendon composition plays an influential role in determining its mechanical properties.
  • The strain rate, that is the degree of deformation a tendon goes through under stress, had minute influence on the modulus of elasticity. Therefore, these tendons were considered to display non-linear elastic behaviours. The respective tendons ruptured at strains of 10.0% (DDFT), 12.3% (SDFT), and 11.0% (SL).
  • Furthermore, the average hysteresis accounted for about 5% in the study. Hysteresis refers to the energy lost in the form of heat when stress is applied to the tendons.

Significance of the Findings

  • The research insights could serve as a foundation to develop strategies aimed at improving the durability and performance of these tendons in horses, which is especially valuable in situations where these animals are used for sports or heavy-duty tasks.
  • Understanding the correlation between the cross-sectional area, collagen content, and mechanical properties of a tendon could also contribute to medical advancements, especially in fields related to orthopedics, veterinary medicine and sports medicine.

Cite This Article

APA
Riemersma DJ, Schamhardt HC. (1985). In vitro mechanical properties of equine tendons in relation to cross-sectional area and collagen content. Res Vet Sci, 39(3), 263-270.

Publication

Research in veterinary science
ISSN: 0034-5288
NlmUniqueID: 0401300
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 39
Issue: 3
Pages: 263-270

Researcher Affiliations

Riemersma, D J
    Schamhardt, H C

      MeSH Terms

      • Animals
      • Collagen / analysis
      • Elasticity
      • Hindlimb
      • Horses / physiology
      • In Vitro Techniques
      • Ligaments / analysis
      • Ligaments / anatomy & histology
      • Ligaments / physiology
      • Stress, Mechanical
      • Tendons / analysis
      • Tendons / anatomy & histology
      • Tendons / physiology

      Citations

      This article has been cited 15 times.
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