Characterization of the Rate-Dependent Mechanical Properties and Failure of Human Knee Ligaments 2005-01-0293

The structural properties of the four major human knee ligaments were investigated at different loading rates. Bone-ligament-bone specimens of the medial and lateral collateral ligaments and the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, obtained from post-mortem human donors, were tested in knee distraction loading in displacement control. All ligaments were tested in the anatomical position corresponding to a fully extended knee. The rate dependence of the structural response of the knee ligaments was investigated by applying loading-unloading cycles at a range of distraction rates. Ramps to failure were applied at knee distraction rates of 0.016 mm/s, 1.6 mm/s, or 1,600 mm/s. Averages and corridors were constructed for the force response and the failure point of the different ligaments and loading rates. The structural response of the knee ligaments was found to depend on the deformation rate, being both stiffer and more linear at high loading rates. This rate dependence was found to be more pronounced at high loading rates.