Biomechanics of ligaments

Abstract

The ligaments are important tissues that connect the bones in the human body. The main function is to transmit the tensile load by playing an important role in maintaining the stability and restraint excessive joint motion in musculoskeletal system. Their unique composition and structure let ligaments to guide joints to articulate smoothly and to protect other soft tissues in and around the joints. These ligaments have biomechanical properties designed for this important function. As such, understanding the biomechanical behavior of ligaments is important. Also, these fundamental knowledges are helpful in preventing ligament injury and improving the treatment method. In this chapter, the ligament composition, structure, and function are introduced. Then the biomechanical properties of the ligaments and the method to obtain them are described by using the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) of the knee as an example. And finally, injury, as well as current surgical treatment and postoperative rehabilitation, is reviewed.