Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2026
07:07
Biomechanical Characterization of Human Soft Tissues Using Indentation and Tensile Testing
Published on: December 13, 2016
Material properties and composition of soft-tissue fixation
Maureen Suchenski1, Mary Beth McCarthy, David Chowaniec
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT 06030, U.S.A.
Summary
Orthopaedic surgeons use interference screws and suture anchors for soft tissue fixation in sports medicine. Material choice depends on balancing mechanical fixation, degradation, and bone replacement for optimal patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic surgery
- Biomaterials science
- Sports medicine
Background:
- Surgical interference screws and suture anchors are vital for attaching soft tissues like ligaments and tendons to bone.
- These implants are extensively used in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine for procedures such as anterior and posterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive review of commercially available interference screws and suture anchors.
- To emphasize implant composition, interaction, and design in orthopaedic surgery.
- To offer orthopaedic surgeons a background on biomaterials used in soft tissue fixation implants.
Main Methods:
- Review of commercially available interference screws and suture anchors.
- Analysis of implant composition, including metals, bioabsorbable polymers, and composites.
- Evaluation of material properties concerning mechanical fixation, degradation, and bone integration.
Main Results:
- Interference screws offer press-fit fixation for ligament reconstruction, while suture anchors attach tissue to bone surfaces.
- Implant materials range from traditional metals to advanced bioabsorbable polymers and composites.
- No single material is ideal for all applications; surgeons must consider trade-offs.
Conclusions:
- The ideal biomaterial for soft tissue fixation should provide mechanical stability, degrade completely, and be replaced by bone.
- Surgeons must carefully weigh the advantages and disadvantages of different implant materials for specific patient needs.
- This review aids orthopaedic surgeons in making informed decisions regarding biomaterial selection for interference screws and suture anchors on a case-by-case basis.
Related Concept Videos
01:03Fixation and Sectioning
Two basic types of preparation are used to visualize specimens with a light microscope: wet mounts and fixed specimens.
The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...
The simplest type of preparation is the wet mount, in which the specimen is placed in a drop of liquid on the slide. A liquid specimen can be directly deposited on the slide using a dropper. Solid specimens, such as skin scraping, can be placed on the slide before adding a drop of liquid to prepare the wet mount. Sometimes the liquid is simply water, but stains are often added...
01:17Connective Tissue Fibers and Ground Substance
One of the significant functions of connective tissue is connecting tissues and organs. Unlike epithelial tissue that is composed of cells closely packed with little or no extracellular space in between, connective tissue cells are dispersed in a matrix. The matrix usually includes a large amount of extracellular material produced by the connective tissue cells that are embedded within it. It plays a significant role in the functioning of this tissue. The major component of the matrix is a...
01:32Tissue Homogenization and Cell Lysis
Tissue homogenization involves disintegrating tissue architecture and lysing cells, and is an early step in isolating and analyzing cellular components. The method used for homogenization depends on the sample type, the amount of sample available, the analyte to be obtained, and the sensitivity of the method. These methods are broadly classified as mechanical and non-mechanical methods.
Mechanical methods of tissue homogenization
These methods rely on applying external physical force to disrupt...
Mechanical methods of tissue homogenization
These methods rely on applying external physical force to disrupt...