Tendons are specialized fibrous connective tissues that serve as vital links between skeletal muscles and bones. They are essential in enabling movement by transferring mechanical forces produced during muscle contraction. The primary structural component of tendons is type I collagen, a robust protein intricately arranged in a longitudinal, parallel orientation. This unique arrangement not only grants tendons remarkable tensile strength but also imparts viscoelastic properties, allowing them to withstand varied mechanical loads while maintaining flexibility. The biomechanical behavior of tendons can be illustrated through the stress–strain curve, which captures the distinct phases of tendon response to stretching. This curve consists of four key regions: (1) the initial toe region, where the tendon is relatively slack and experiences strains below 2%; in this phase, the individual fibrils within the tendon begin to align and stretch under the application of force; (2) the linear region, characterized by strains up to 4%, where the stress applied is directly proportional to the resulting deformation, creating a predictable and stable response; (3) the yield region, entering a critical phase where the tendon begins to exceed its physiological limits; in this region, micro-damage can occur within the structure, signaling the onset of potential injury; and (4) the failure region, which marks the catastrophic point of tendon rupture, leading to a complete loss of functional integrity. The remarkable material properties of tendons enable them to facilitate complex and coordinated movements necessary for activities ranging from forceful gripping to intricate fine motor tasks. The flexor tendons, which traverse the carpal tunnel on the volar side of the wrist, play a crucial role in bending the wrist and allowing flexion of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints. Conversely, the extensor tendons are connected to the phalanges and primarily extend the second to fifth digits, promoting the straightening of these fingers. Abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis are essential for enabling the unique and versatile movements of the thumb. A comprehensive understanding of the structure and biomechanics of tendons is crucial for effectively transmitting contractile forces, facilitating movement, and ensuring the necessary elasticity to conserve metabolic energy while simultaneously preventing injuries. Current studies that utilize in vivo and in vitro methodologies and mathematical simulations to model tendon behavior are making significant strides in enriching our understanding of how tendons respond to various loading conditions, how they heal following injury, and the most effective rehabilitation strategies. This expanding knowledge base holds great promise for enhancing therapeutic approaches and improving outcomes for individuals suffering from tendon-related injuries.

错误:搜索内容不能为空,请输入英文关键词
错误:关键词超出字数限制,请精简
高级检索

Hand Tendon Biomechanics

  • Cadence Lee,
  • Farid Amirouche

摘要

Tendons are specialized fibrous connective tissues that serve as vital links between skeletal muscles and bones. They are essential in enabling movement by transferring mechanical forces produced during muscle contraction. The primary structural component of tendons is type I collagen, a robust protein intricately arranged in a longitudinal, parallel orientation. This unique arrangement not only grants tendons remarkable tensile strength but also imparts viscoelastic properties, allowing them to withstand varied mechanical loads while maintaining flexibility. The biomechanical behavior of tendons can be illustrated through the stress–strain curve, which captures the distinct phases of tendon response to stretching. This curve consists of four key regions: (1) the initial toe region, where the tendon is relatively slack and experiences strains below 2%; in this phase, the individual fibrils within the tendon begin to align and stretch under the application of force; (2) the linear region, characterized by strains up to 4%, where the stress applied is directly proportional to the resulting deformation, creating a predictable and stable response; (3) the yield region, entering a critical phase where the tendon begins to exceed its physiological limits; in this region, micro-damage can occur within the structure, signaling the onset of potential injury; and (4) the failure region, which marks the catastrophic point of tendon rupture, leading to a complete loss of functional integrity. The remarkable material properties of tendons enable them to facilitate complex and coordinated movements necessary for activities ranging from forceful gripping to intricate fine motor tasks. The flexor tendons, which traverse the carpal tunnel on the volar side of the wrist, play a crucial role in bending the wrist and allowing flexion of the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints and proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints. Conversely, the extensor tendons are connected to the phalanges and primarily extend the second to fifth digits, promoting the straightening of these fingers. Abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis are essential for enabling the unique and versatile movements of the thumb. A comprehensive understanding of the structure and biomechanics of tendons is crucial for effectively transmitting contractile forces, facilitating movement, and ensuring the necessary elasticity to conserve metabolic energy while simultaneously preventing injuries. Current studies that utilize in vivo and in vitro methodologies and mathematical simulations to model tendon behavior are making significant strides in enriching our understanding of how tendons respond to various loading conditions, how they heal following injury, and the most effective rehabilitation strategies. This expanding knowledge base holds great promise for enhancing therapeutic approaches and improving outcomes for individuals suffering from tendon-related injuries.