[Aponeuroses and superficial fascia. Mechanical and structural properties]

Eleven superficial aponeuroses have been examined in order to study their biomechanical and structural properties. Specimens were taken from 5 fresh cadavers, 3 males, 2 females with a mean age between 40 and 60 years. The study was done by two methods: biomechanical and histological. Aponeuroses can be classified in 2 biomechanical and histological groups that match perfectly. The first group has biomechanical and histological properties similar to those of tendons, and the second group similar to those of tendons, and the second group similar to those of ligaments. Ignoring the biomechanical and histological properties of tendons, ligaments and aponeuroses can be the cause of failure of a number of ligament and tendon plasties. The surgeon has an important role in choosing the transplants according to the histological properties (thickness, length of structures, bundle orientation) and biomechanical properties (solidity and extensibility).