Injury and repair of ligaments and tendons

In this chapter, biomechanical methods used to analyze healing and repair o f ligaments and tendons are initially described such that the tensile prope rties of these soft tissues as well as their contribution to joint motion c an be determined. The focus then turns to the important mechanical and biol ogical factors that improve the healing process of ligaments. The biomechan ics of surgical reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament and the ke y surgical parameters that affect the performance of the replacement grafts are subsequently reviewed. Finally, injury mechanisms and the biomechanica l analysis of various treatment techniques for various types of tendon inju ries are described.