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Updated: Apr 13, 2026

Biomechanical Testing of Murine Tendons
Published on: October 15, 2019
Tensile mechanical properties of human forearm tendons
J F Weber1, A M R Agur2, A Y Fattah3
1Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Abstract:
Previous studies of the mechanical properties of tendons in the upper limb have used embalmed specimens or sub-optimal methods of measurement. The aim of this study was to determine the biomechanical properties of all tendons from five fresh frozen cadaveric forearms using updated methodology. The cross-sectional area of tendons was accurately measured using a laser reflectance system. Tensile testing was done in a precision servo-hydraulic device with cryo-clamp fixation. We determined that the cross-sectional area of some tendons is variable and directly influences the calculated material properties; visual estimation of this is unreliable. Data trends illustrate that digital extensor tendons possess the greatest tensile strength and a higher Young's modulus than other tendon types.
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