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In vivo forces used to develop design parameters for tissue engineered implants for rabbit patellar tendon repair
Natalia Juncosa1, John R West, Marc T Galloway
1Noyes-Giannestras Biomechanics Laboratories, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, 2901 Campus Drive, P.O. Box 210048, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0048, USA.
Journal of Biomechanics
|February 26, 2003
Summary
This study measured in vivo forces in rabbit patellar tendons during various activities. Findings indicate that increased activity levels significantly elevate tendon forces, crucial for optimizing tissue-engineered tendon repair.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Orthopedic Research
Background:
- Tissue engineering shows promise for tendon repair using mesenchymal stem cells in collagen gels.
- Cellular alignment and construct contraction in vitro are suitable for implantation.
- In vivo signals influencing tendon repair biomechanics remain poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test hypotheses regarding in vivo forces in the rabbit patellar tendon (PT) during different activity levels.
- To determine if PT safety factors align with normal tendon values across activities.
- To assess limb preference in rabbits post-surgery during quiet standing.
Main Methods:
- In vivo forces in rabbit PTs were measured using implantable force transducers.
- Measurements were taken during quiet standing and treadmill hopping at controlled speeds and inclinations.
- Data were collected from eight New Zealand White rabbits three days post-surgery.
Main Results:
- Peak tensile forces significantly increased with treadmill inclination.
- Rates of force rise and fall increased significantly with both speed and inclination (p<0.001).
- The study provides data on in vivo forces relevant to tendon repair.
Conclusions:
- In vivo forces in the rabbit patellar tendon increase with activity levels (speed and inclination).
- These findings offer design criteria for mechanically stimulating cell-gel constructs for enhanced tendon repair.
- Understanding in vivo biomechanical signals is vital for improving tendon repair outcomes.