The Mechanical and Viscoelastic Properties of the Healing Rabbit Patellar Tendon

Central third bone-patellar tendon-bone (BPTB) autografts are commonly used for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions. Following surgery, complications arise at the donor site, including extension deficits and anterior knee pain [1]. These complications are partially caused by inadequate healing of the patellar tendon (PT) as well as adhesions in the anterior interval. Recent clinical data have suggested these are contributing factors in the early development of osteoarthrosis following ACL reconstruction [2]. Thus, it is necessary to understand the changes in mechanical and viscoelastic behavior in the healing PT.Copyright © 2007 by ASME