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Influence of Rigor Mortis on Tendon Mobility in an Animal Fresh Cadaver Model
Christoph Luecke1, Marc Schnetzke2, Christel Weiss3
1BG Trauma Center Ludwigshafen, Heidelberg University Hospital, Ludwig-Guttmann-Straße 13, 67071 Ludwigshafen, Germany.
Biology
|October 27, 2022
Summary
Rigor mortis significantly decreases supraspinatus tendon mobility within three hours post-mortem. For accurate biomechanical studies using fresh cadavers, researchers must complete experiments within 150 minutes to avoid altered results.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Orthopedics
- Tendon Research
Background:
- Current biomechanical studies often use cadavers with properties that differ from in vivo tendons.
- Fresh cadaver models offer a more in vivo-like alternative but are affected by rigor mortis.
- Understanding the onset and impact of rigor mortis is crucial for fresh cadaver models.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of rigor mortis on biomechanical properties.
- To determine the time of onset of rigor mortis in a fresh cadaver model.
- To establish reliable timeframes for conducting biomechanical studies on fresh cadavers.
Main Methods:
- Utilized 15 fresh porcine cadaver shoulders in a biomechanical in vitro model.
- Measured supraspinatus tendon mobility using a sensor-enhanced arthroscopic grasper.
- Recorded measurements at ten time points starting 103 minutes post-mortem.
Main Results:
- Supraspinatus tendon mobility significantly decreased within the first three hours post-mortem.
- The first significant decrease in mobility was observed at 151 minutes post-mortem.
- No further significant changes in mobility were noted between 227 and 317 minutes post-mortem.
Conclusions:
- Rigor mortis onset alters the biomechanical properties of fresh cadaver tendons.
- Biomechanical studies on fresh cadavers should be completed within 150 minutes post-mortem.
- This timeframe ensures reliable and unaltered biomechanical property measurements.
