[In vitro evaluation of the maximal possible deformation imposable on the median collateral ligaments in rabbits]

With this study, we identified the maximal level of deformation applicable to medial collateral rabbit ligaments in vitro. According to scanning electron microscopy photographs of ligaments fixed at different elongation level 0% (n = 5), 5% (n = 4), 6% (n = 5), 8% (n = 5), 10% (n = 7), 15% (n = 4) and 20% (n = 4), we concluded that a 6% deformation would be optimal. At that level, the collagen fiber undulation are completely unstretched, and still, no collagen ruptures could be observed.