THE USE OF AN IMPLANTABLE FORCE TRANSDUCER TO MEASURE PATELLAR TENDONFORCES IN GOATS

Patellar tendon (PT) force was measured during activity with an implan table force transducer (IFT) in adult goats. PT force, vertical ground reaction force (VGRF) and the animal's speed were recorded for standi ng, walking and trotting. Following data collection, animals were euth anized and the IFT calibrated in vitro. Standing PT force averaged 207 N. Maximum PT force was approximately 800 N for walking and 1000 N fo r trotting and occurred at mid-stance. PT force dropped from 200 N at toe-off to 0 N by mid-swing. For each activity, the PT force increased with increases in VGRF. Maximum in vivo PT stress occurred during tro tting and measured 29 MPa. This study demonstrates the IFT's usefulnes s in measuring tendon force directly.