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  • Title: The effects of immobilization on the ultrastructure and mechanical properties of the medial collateral ligament of rats.
    Author: Binkley JM, Peat M.
    Journal: Clin Orthop Relat Res; 1986 Feb; (203):301-8. PubMed ID: 3955993.
    Abstract:
    Rat medial collateral ligaments from one group of animals were tensile tested following immobilization. Ligaments from a second group of animals were examined using transmission electron microscopy to determine collagen fibril cross-sectional area and density. Immobilized and contralateral control ligaments were compared to determine the effect of immobilization on these parameters. There was a significant decrease in the linear stress, maximum stress, and stiffness of immobilized ligaments. There was no significant difference in the strain values reported. There was a significant decrease in the proportion of smaller, cross-sectional area fibrils (0-10,000 nm2) following immobilization. There was also a significant increase in the proportion of larger (30,000-40,000 nm2 and 40,000-50,000 nm2) fibrils following immobilization. This finding was attributed to a decreased synthesis and decreased degradation of collagen during immobilization; post-immobilization, the density of collagen fibrils in the ligament decreased. There may be a relationship between ultrastructural and mechanical alterations following immobilization. Significant clinical implications are apparent in the altered mechanical properties following immobilization.
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