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PubMed2005

Heritability of carotid artery distensibility in Hispanics: the Northern Manhattan Family Study.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Reduced arterial distensibility has been introduced as a novel risk factor for atherosclerosis. The importance of the genetic contribution to variation in distensibility is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to estimate heritability of carotid distensibility. METHODS: The ongoing Northern Manhattan Family Study recruits high-risk Caribbean Hispanic families to study genetic effects on stroke/cardiovascular risk factors. The distensibility metrics (strain, stiffness, distensibility, and elastic modulus) were measured from the right common carotid artery, and the heritability for each was estimated. Variance component methods were used to estimate age- and sex-adjusted heritability. Correlations were calculated to evaluate the relationship between distensibility phenotypes and intimamedia thickness (IMT) at each carotid segment. RESULTS: The current data included 88 probands and 605 relatives from 88 families. Age- and sex-adjusted heritability was 25% for strain, 17% for distensibility, 20% for stiffness, and 20% for elastic modulus. Without adjustment for covariates, strong correlations were found between distensibility metrics and IMT: the absolute values of correlation coefficients were between 0.2 and 0.5, and all P values were <0.001. However, the correlation coefficients were reduced substantially after adjusting for age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that genetic factors explained a moderate proportion of the variability of carotid distensibility. The correlations between distensibility and IMT were mainly attributable to age and sex effects. The regulation of carotid distensibility and IMT may reflect different underlying genetic and environmental mechanisms.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1978

Bending properties of cortical bone of the horse.

Bending properties of samples of cortical bone taken from the cranial, caudal, medial, and lateral quadrants of the midshaft of the radius, femur, and metacarpus of 12 ponies, 18 months old, were determined by 4-point loading at a rate of 10 mm/minute. The elastic modulus for all samples was between 16.2 and 20.2 GN/m2, and the ultimate breaking strength, between 204 and 255 MN/m2. There was greater variation in these properties between bone quadrants than between bones. Samples from the cranial and medial quadrants of both femur and radius were stiffer and had greater ultimate breaking strength than caudal or lateral samples. All samples of radius deformed more and absorbed more energy before reaching the greatest load than did samples of femur. The elastic modulus and the ultimate breaking strength of radius within any quadrant were highly correlated to specific gravity. However, at any specific gravity, caudal and lateral samples were not as strong as cranial and medial samples. Samples taken from exercised ponies, male ponies, or those fed diets containing 0.7% Ca,0.6% P or 2.7% Ca,1.1% P tended to be stiffer and have a greater ultimate breaking strength than samples taken from unexercised ponies, females, or those fed diets containing 0.7% Ca,1.4% P.

Animals↗

PubMed1991

Developmental changes in cell and tissue water relations parameters in storage parenchyma of sugarcane.

The osmotic pressure of the cell sap of stalk storage parenchyma of sugarcane (Saccharum spp. hybrids) increases by an order of magnitude during ontogeny to reach molar concentrations of sucrose at maturity. Stalk parenchyma cells must either experience very high turgor at maturation or have an ability to regulate turgor. We tested this hypothesis by using pressure probe techniques to quantify parameters of cell and tissue water relations of sugarcane storage parenchyma during ontogeny. The largest developmental change was in the volumetric elastic modulus, which increased from 6 bars in immature tissue to 43 bars in mature tissue. Turgor was maintained relatively low during sucrose accumulation by the partitioning of solutes between the cell and wall compartments. Membrane hydraulic conductivity decreased from about 12 x 10(-7) centimeters per second per bar down to 4.4 x 10(-7) centimeters per second per bar. The 2.7-fold decrease in membrane hydraulic conductivity during tissue maturation was accompanied by a 7.8-fold increase in wall elasticity. Integration of the cell wall and membrane properties appears to be by the opposing effects of turgor on hydraulic conductivity and elastic modulus. The changes in these properties during development of sugarcane stalk tissue may be a way for parenchyma cells to develop a capacity for expansive growth and still serve as a strong sink for storing high concentrations of sucrose.

Biological Transport↗

PubMed2006

Local mechanical properties of the head articulation cuticle in the beetle Pachnoda marginata (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae).

Insect exoskeleton (cuticle) has a broad range of mechanical properties depending on the function of a particular structure of the skeleton. Structure and mechanical properties of the specialised cuticle of insect joints remain largely unknown to date. We used scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to obtain information about the material structure of the gula plate, the head part of the head-to-neck articulation system in the beetle Pachnoda marginata. The surface of this cuticle appears rather smooth in SEM. The fibers of the exocuticle are partly oriented almost perpendicular to the surface, which is rather unusual for arthropod cuticle. Nanoindentation experiments were performed to determine the local mechanical properties (hardness and elastic modulus) of the gula material. To understand the effect of desiccation and the influence of an outer wax layer on the mechanical behavior of the material, the samples were tested in fresh, dry and chemically treated (lipid extraction in organic solvents) conditions. Nanoindentation results were found to be strongly influenced by desiccation but only slightly by lipid extraction. Decreasing water content ( approximately 15-20% of the cuticle mass) led to an increase in hardness (from 0.1 to 0.49 GPa) and elastic modulus (from 1.5 to 7.5 GPa). The lipid extraction caused a slight further hardening (to 0.52 GPa) as well as stiffening (to 7.7 GPa) of the material. The results are discussed in relation to the mechanical function of the gula plate.

Animals↗

PubMed2006

Effect of ethanol/trisodium citrate lock on the mechanical properties of carbothane hemodialysis catheters.

AIMS: The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of three locking solutions on the mechanical properties of carbothane hemodialysis catheters. METHODS: Catheters were exposed in vitro to one of three locking solutions (heparin 5000 U/ml; 4% trisodium citrate (TSC) or 30% ethanol/4% TSC). Each solution was locked in six catheters and bathed at 37 degrees C for 9 weeks. Changes in the mechanical properties namely, force at break, elongation at break and elastic modulus of the catheters were determined by tensile testing. RESULTS: The ethanol/TSC lock has an effect on the properties of carbothane hemodialysis catheters. The force at break was significantly lower in the ethanol/TSC group compared to the heparin and TSC groups (113.26 N, 191.97 N and 229.72 N, respectively, p < 0.01). Similarly, elongation at break was lower in the ethanol/TSC group, compared to the heparin and TSC groups (stretched 21.97, 38.29, and 42.42 times original length respectively, p < 0.01). The elastic modulus was not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: The effect of the ethanol/TSC lock on the catheters is unlikely to prohibit clinical use. After 9 weeks of exposure to the solution, the catheter segments could still be stretched to 22 times their length and withstand 11.5 kg (113 N) of force. Clinically produced forces during dialysis are many times smaller than the force required to break the catheters examined in this study. Therefore, the ethanol/TSC lock shows promise as a new catheter locking solution for the treatment of catheter-related infections. Further clinical studies are required.

Biocompatible Materials↗

PubMed2003

Comparison of human fibroblast ECM-related gene expression on elastic three-dimensional substrates relative to two-dimensional films of the same material.

Three-dimensional elastic substrates were fabricated from a commercially available polyurethane with an internal porosity of approximately 70% and elastic modulus of 27.4+/-2.76 KPa and examined for suitability in vocal fold tissue engineering. Using immunohistochemistry, biomechanical testing, and RT-PCR; we examined human fibroblast viability, distribution and extracellular matrix related gene expression within substrates for periods up to 4 weeks. We found that cells were capable of colonizing the entire volume of a 5mm wide x 3mm deep x 20mm long substrate at high viability. Histological cross-sections showed extensive extracellular matrix deposited around the cells and throughout the pore structure of the substrates, which consisted of fibronectin and type I collagen. Cell seeded substrates displayed a significantly higher elastic modulus than unseeded controls similar to native tissue. The transfer of cell growth from two-dimensional to three-dimensional culture resulted in changes in ECM-related gene expression consistent with decreasing cell migration and increasing tissue formation. We found that fibroblasts cultured in three-dimensional substrates expressed significantly higher levels of mRNA for elastin and fibromodulin, while expressing significantly lower levels of mRNA for MMP-1 and hyaluronidase relative to two-dimensional substrates of the same material. The results suggest that three-dimensionally porous, Tecoflex-derived elastic biomaterials may be suitable substrates for engineering vocal fold tissue.

Actins↗

PubMed2002

Analysis of valve motion after the reimplantation type of valve-sparing procedure (David I) with a new aortic root conduit.

BACKGROUND: The reimplantation type of valve-sparing procedure does not allow proper reconstruction of the sinuses of Valsalva. We assessed the valve motion after a reimplantation type (David I) of valve-sparing procedure using a new Dacron conduit that incorporates sinuses of Valsalva. METHODS: Nine consecutive patients undergoing an aortic valve-sparing procedure using the new conduit were studied using two-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography shortly (2 +/- 1 months) after operation to determine root distensibility, expressed as percent change in radius and as pressure strain of the elastic modulus. Next, monodimensional view was used to assess valve motion in its various phases (rapid valve opening velocity, slow closing leaflet displacement, rapid valve closing velocity, maximal leaflet displacement, and leaflet displacement before valve closure). Seven healthy individuals served as control subjects. RESULTS: Root distensibility was reduced at the level of the annulus and sinotubular junction but was similar to control subjects at the level of the sinuses (percent change in radius, 4.1% +/- 0.8% versus 4.5% +/- 1.2%; pressure strain of the elastic modulus, 1,286 +/- 674 g/cm2 versus 1,195 +/- 628 g/cm2). Rapid valve opening (69 +/- 34.4 cm/s versus 51 +/- 11.9 cm/s) and closing (47.6 +/- 16 cm/s versus 36.4 +/- 9 cm/s) velocity as well as slow closing leaflet displacement (24% +/- 4.7% versus 22.1% +/- 7.9%), maximal leaflet displacement (20.1 +/- 4 mm versus 22.7 +/- 1.9 mm), and leaflet displacement before valve closure (15.2 +/- 3 mm versus 17.6 +/- 0.8 mm) were similar to control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The new aortic root conduit used in a reimplantation type of valve-sparing procedure allows the anatomic reconstruction of the aortic root with leaflet motion similar to that of normal subjects.

Aged↗

PubMed2000

The effect of removing the N-terminal extension of the Drosophila myosin regulatory light chain upon flight ability and the contractile dynamics of indirect flight muscle.

The Drosophila myosin regulatory light chain (DMLC2) is homologous to MLC2s of vertebrate organisms, except for the presence of a unique 46-amino acid N-terminal extension. To study the role of the DMLC2 N-terminal extension in Drosophila flight muscle, we constructed a truncated form of the Dmlc2 gene lacking amino acids 2-46 (Dmlc2(Delta2-46)). The mutant gene was expressed in vivo, with no wild-type Dmlc2 gene expression, via P-element-mediated germline transformation. Expression of the truncated DMLC2 rescues the recessive lethality and dominant flightless phenotype of the Dmlc2 null, with no discernible effect on indirect flight muscle (IFM) sarcomere assembly. Homozygous Dmlc2(Delta2-46) flies have reduced IFM dynamic stiffness and elastic modulus at the frequency of maximum power output. The viscous modulus, a measure of the fly's ability to perform oscillatory work, was not significantly affected in Dmlc2(Delta2-46) IFM. In vivo flight performance measurements of Dmlc2(Delta2-46) flies using a visual closed-loop flight arena show deficits in maximum metabolic power (P(*)(CO(2))), mechanical power (P(*)(mech)), and flight force. However, mutant flies were capable of generating flight force levels comparable to body weight, thus enabling them to fly, albeit with diminished performance. The reduction in elastic modulus in Dmlc2(Delta2-46) skinned fibers is consistent with the N-terminal extension being a link between the thick and thin filaments that is parallel to the cross-bridges. Removal of this parallel link causes an unfavorable shift in the resonant properties of the flight system, thus leading to attenuated flight performance.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Normal left ventricular diastolic compliance after regression of hypertrophy.

We wished to determine whether (a) left ventricular (LV) diastolic chamber compliance and tissue elastic modulus were decreased with hypertrophy and improved after reversal of hypertension and regression of hypertrophy and whether collagen concentration was a major determinant of LV chamber compliance during hypertrophy or aging. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and Wistar-Kyoto rats (WKY), aged 8 months at time of study, were used for the hypertension-regression experiments. The aging study was based on 14- and 24-month-old Fischer-344 rats. LV chamber compliance was measured in isolated perfused hearts arrested in diastole. Length-tension curves (tissue elastic modulus) were obtained from ventricular strips, and hydroxyproline assays were used to estimate LV collagen content. Captopril and hydrochlorothizide were given for an 8-week period to both normotensive and hypertensive rats. Treatment normalized arterial pressure and caused regression of LV hypertrophy in SHR. LV diastolic compliance was less (pressure-volume curve steeper) in SHR than in WKY, but stiffness was similar in the two groups, as indicated by similar slopes when volume was adjusted for heart mass. Treatment significantly decreased ventricular stiffness in both SHR and WKY. Length-tension curves were almost identical in SHR and WKY, but treated SHR demonstrated less tension per given length. These changes occurred although collagen did not decrease in parallel to the decrease in LV mass. Aging was associated with 66 and 60% increases in collagen content and concentration, respectively, but did not alter LV chamber compliance significantly.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Aging↗

PubMed2005

Estrogen modulates the mechanical homeostasis of mouse arterial vessels through nitric oxide.

We have recently shown that estrogen causes vessel dilation through receptor-mediated stimulation of nitric oxide (NO) production. Here, we hypothesize that estrogen modulates the mechanical homeostasis in the blood vessel wall through NO production. The mechanical properties of female ovariectomized (ovx) mice, female mice lacking the gene for endothelial NO synthase (eNOS(-/-)), and control female and male mice were studied to test the hypothesis. The femoral and carotid arteries and aorta were cannulated in situ and mechanically distended. The stress, strain, elastic modulus, and wall thickness of vessels in ovx and eNOS(-/-) mice, as well as intact female and male mice, were determined. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to assess eNOS protein expression in the aorta. Moreover, NO by-products of the femoral and carotid artery were determined by measuring the levels of nitrite and nitrate. Our results show that ovariectomy and eNOS(-/-) significantly decrease the strain in all arteries. Furthermore, the eNOS protein was significantly reduced in ovx mice. Finally, the NO metabolites were significantly decreased both in ovx and eNOS(-/-) mice. We found statistically significant correlations between the structural (wall thickness), mechanical (stress, strain, and elastic modulus), and biochemical parameters (NO by-products). These novel results connect NO to the structural and mechanical properties of the vessel wall. Hence, the effect of endogenous estrogen on the arterial mechanical properties is mediated by the regulation of NO derived from eNOS.

Animals↗

PubMed2005

[A basic study on newly developed light-curing resins--Fitness, flexural properties and bond strength to self-curing resins].

The objectives of this study were to evaluate fitness, bending properties, and bond strength of newly developed light-curing denture base resins (Eclipse, Dentsply) in contrast with conventional heat-curing denture base resins (Acron, GC). These evaluations were performed by fitting tests, bending strength tests, and shear bond strength tests. For the fitting test, 40 resin specimens, 20 for each resin, were made on plaster models, which simulated the maxillae edentulous ridge. The gaps between resin specimens and the plaster model were measured. The bending strength tests were carried out using 16 resin plate specimens (65 x 10 x 2.5 mm). The bending strength and elastic modulus for each denture base resin was calculated. For the shear bond strength test, self-curing resins were bonded to each resin and in total, 32 bonded specimens (20 x 4 x 2.5 mm) were made. The shear bond strength tests were carried out in order to evaluate the bond strength between the self-curing resin and each denture base resin. The results of these tests revealed that Eclipse exhibited better fitness to the plaster model, larger bending strength, and larger elastic modulus than Acron. Furthermore, the bond strength of Eclipse to self-curing resin was equivalent to that of Acron. These results suggest that Eclipse has excellent properties for application in clinical settings.

Chemical Phenomena↗

PubMed2006

[Study on the mechanical properties of quartz fiber-reinforced composite for canal post].

PURPOSE: To study the mechanical properties of custom-made quartz fiber-reinforced epoxy resin composite for prefabricated post. METHODS: Composite rods of 5 experiment groups with different fiber contents were made of quartz fiber and epoxy resin.Flexural strengths, shear strengths and fiber contents were measured, corresponding elastic modulus were calculated, cross-section surface and fracture surface was viewed under SEM. Statistical analysis was carried out with one way analysis of variance(ANOVA) and Student-Newman-Keuls for the experimental groups. RESULTS: The flexural strength of composite rods increased with the increase of fiber content, within the limitations of this research, the flexural strengths ranged from 741 to 1165 MPa, corresponding fiber contents ranged from 53.3 to 78.6 Wt%, corresponding flexural strengths ranged from 36.7 to 50.4 MPa,corresponding elastic modulus ranged from 30.6 to 51.9 GPa, SEM showed that fiber distribution in resin was uniform, there was good adhesion between fiber and epoxy resin. ANOVA revealed significant differences of flexural strengths and shear strengths between the experimental groups and control group (P<0.01), Student-Newman-Keuls analysis showed significant differences of flexural strengths and shear strengths between the experimental groups(P<0.01). CONCLUSION: The custom-made quartz fiber-reinforced epoxy resin composite can be used for prefabricated post with good mechanical properties.

Composite Resins↗

PubMed1985

Alteration of red cell membrane viscoelasticity by heat treatment: effect on cell deformability and suspension viscosity.

The membrane shear elastic modulus (mu) and the time constant for extensional shape recovery (tc) were measured for normal, control human red blood cells (RBC) and for RBC heat treated (HT) at 48 degrees C. Three separate methods for the measurement of mu were compared (two used a micropipette and one employed a flow channel), and the membrane viscosity (n) was calculated from the relation n = mu. tc. The deformability of HT and control cells was evaluated using micropipette techniques, and the bulk viscosity of RBC suspensions at 40% hematocrit was measured. The shear elastic modulus, or "membrane rigidity", was more than doubled by heat treatment, although both the absolute value for mu and the estimate of the increase induced by heat treatment varied depending on the method of measurement. Heat treatment caused smaller increases in membrane viscosity and in membrane bending resistance, and only minimal changes in cell geometry. The deformability of HT cells was reduced: 1) the pressure required for cell entry (Pe) into 3 micrometers pipettes was increased, on average, by 170%; 2) at an aspiration pressure (Pa) exceeding Pe, longer times were required for cell entry into the same pipettes. However, when Pa was scaled relative to the mean entry pressure for a given sample (i.e, Pa/Pe), entry times were similar for control and HT cells. Bulk viscosity of HT RBC suspensions was elevated by approximately 12% on average (shear rates 75 to 1500 inverse seconds). These findings suggest that alteration of RBC membrane mechanical properties, similar to those induced by heat treatment, would most affect the in vivo circulation in regions where vessel dimensions are smaller than cellular diameters.

Adult↗

PubMed2004

Homotypic variation of canine flexor tendons: implications for the design of experimental studies in animal models.

Water, collagen and glycosamimoglycan contents, cross-sectional area, stiffness and elastic modulus were carefully quantitated in flexor digitorum superficialis tendons from mature canines. From these data the within- and between-animal variability was estimated and used to demonstrate sample size calculations for both two-group and paired (within-animal) study designs. The estimated between-dog variance was typically 50% or less of the total variance for the parameters investigated. In other words, the correlation among the tendons within an animal for most measures was not strong. Therefore, for some variables (e.g., elastic modulus) in this animal and tendon model, there is no appreciable gain in statistical power by using a paired study design. A two-group design could be used, but any within-animal correlation must be accounted for in the analysis. For other variables such as collagen content, a paired design would gain substantial power.

Animals↗

PubMed1994

Effect of surface treatments on the repair strength of a light-activated denture repair resin using censored data.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three different chemical surface modifications on the bond strength of light-activated denture repair resin (Triad, Dentsply International) to a heat-cured resin (Lucitone, Dentsply International). METHODS: Transverse flexure test specimens were made, with surface treatment of 1) Triad bonding agent, 2) unreacted Lucitone monomer, and 3) a 1:1 mixture of methylene chloride and monomer, using two different application times (2 and 4 min). For all except one group, 18 specimens were made. The controls were solid single composition bars, 18 for each material. The elastic modulus in transverse flexure was measured for each material. The statistical analysis employed the Weibull distribution. Fracture strength values were obtained in a three-point flexure test. RESULTS: It was noted that many fractures occurred away from the interface and the center member of the test fixture. For those fractures, the observed fracture strength is a censored value of the fracture strength. Algorithms for the statistical treatment of censored data were used to get the maximum likelihood estimates of the fracture strength. A mechanical model showed that under three-point bending of a beam of two joined materials, fractures will occur in the part with the higher elastic modulus. This finding is indeed observed in the data. The 4 min monomer treatment showed the highest estimate of the bond strength (187.8 MPa). SIGNIFICANCE: Censored data can be used to obtain fracture strength estimates, and the censoring indicates that the bond strength may exceed the strength of the bulk material.

Acrylic Resins↗

PubMed2003

Arterial stiffness increases with deteriorating glucose tolerance status: the Hoorn Study.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes (DM-2) and impaired glucose metabolism (IGM) are associated with an increased cardiovascular disease risk. In nondiabetic individuals, increased arterial stiffness is an important cause of cardiovascular disease. Associations between DM-2 and IGM and arterial stiffness have not been systematically investigated. METHODS AND RESULTS: In a population-based cohort (n=747; 278 with normal glucose metabolism, 168 with IGM, and 301 with DM-2; mean age, 68.5 years), arterial stiffness was ultrasonically estimated by distensibility and compliance of the carotid, femoral, and brachial arteries and by the carotid elastic modulus. After adjustment for age, sex, and mean arterial pressure, DM-2 was associated with increased carotid, femoral, and brachial stiffness, whereas IGM was associated only with increased femoral and brachial stiffness. Carotid but not femoral or brachial stiffness increased from IGM to DM-2. Standardized betas (95% CI) for IGM and DM-2, compared with normal glucose metabolism, were -0.06 (-0.23 to 0.10) and -0.37 (-0.51 to -0.23) for carotid distensibility; -0.02 (-0.18 to 0.18) and -0.25 (-0.40 to -0.09) for carotid compliance; -0.05 (-0.23 to 0.13) and 0.25 (0.10 to 0.40) for carotid elastic modulus; -0.70 (-0.89 to -0.51) and -0.67 (-0.83 to -0.52) for femoral distensibility; and -0.62 (-0.80 to -0.44) and -0.79 (-0.94 to -0.63) for femoral compliance. The brachial artery followed a pattern similar to that of the femoral artery. Increases in stiffness indices were explained by decreases in distension, increases in pulse pressure, an increase in carotid intima-media thickness, and, for the femoral artery, a decrease in diameter. Hyperglycemia or hyperinsulinemia explained only 30% of the arterial changes associated with glucose tolerance. Adjustment for conventional cardiovascular risk factors did not affect these findings. CONCLUSIONS: IGM and DM-2 are associated with increased arterial stiffness. An important part of the increased stiffness occurs before the onset of DM-2 and is explained neither by conventional cardiovascular risk factors nor by hyperglycemia or hyperinsulinemia.

Aged↗

PubMed1976

The strength of the anterior cruciate ligament in humans and Rhesus monkeys.

The mechanical properties of anterior cruciate bone-ligament-bone specimens from humans and rhesus monkeys were determined in tension to failure under high strain-rate conditions. The age range of the human specimens was from sixteen to eighty-six years. The values fro human specimens obtained from young adults with regard to elastic modulus, ultimate tensile stress, and strain energy to failure were approximately two to three times those for specimens from humans in the sixth decade and older. The major mode of failure was ligament disruption in the specimens from young adult humans and avulsion of bone beneath the ligament insertion site in the specimens from older humans. The difference in mode of failure correlated with histological observations of decreased bone mass at the site of ligament attachment in the specimens from older humans. Rhesus monkey specimens had higher values for elastic modulus, failure stress, and strain energy. Significant reductions in strength and stiffness properties of ligament units were shown to occur with advancing age to a greater degree than expected. All experiments in which specimens from older human cadavera are used should be interpreted with caution when the results are applied to mechanisms of ligament failure for younger or athletic individuals.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Evaluation of four methods of flexor tendon repair for postoperative active mobilization.

Active mobilization of repaired flexor tendons requires sufficient suture strength. This study was designed to investigate the suitability of four newly developed and comparatively strong tendon sutures for flexor tendon repair with active digital mobilization. Fifty fresh flexor digitorum profundus tendons were randomly assigned to five groups and repaired using the Tang, cruciate, Robertson, Silfverskiold, and modified Kessler suture methods. The repaired tendons were subjected to mechanical testing in an Instron tensile machine to determine the 2-mm gap formation force, ultimate strength, elastic modulus, and energy to failure of the sutures. The 2-mm gap formation forces of the sutures were 43.0 N for the Tang, 37.4 N for the cruciate, 25.0 N for the Robertson, 32.3 N for the Silfverskiold, and 21.2 N for the modified Kessler methods. The ultimate strength of the sutures was 53.6 N for the Tang, 46.3 N for the cruciate, 41.6 N for the Robertson, 41.0 N for the Silfverskiold, and 24.7 N for the modified Kessler methods. Statistically, the gap formation force and ultimate strength were the highest in the Tang, higher in the cruciate, and the lowest for the Robertson and the modified Kessler methods. The elastic modulus of the repaired tendons, as represented by the linear slope of the force-displacement curve, was also statistically the largest in the Tang, larger in the cruciate, and lowest for the Robertson and modified Kessler methods. Energy to failure was statistically the largest in the Tang, higher in the cruciate, lower in the Silfverskiold and the Robertson, and the lowest for the modified Kessler methods. It was concluded that significant differences exist in mechanical properties of the newly developed tendon suture methods. Among the methods for tendon repair that were tested, the Tang and the cruciate sutures were the best candidates for flexor tendon repair in the hand with postoperative active mobilization because of their superior tensile strength, elastic properties, energy to failure, and reasonable operation time.

Elasticity↗