Near Infrared Spectroscopic Evaluation of Ligament and Tendon Biomechanical Properties

Abstract

Knee ligaments and tendons are collagen-rich viscoelastic connective tissues that provide vital mechanical stabilization and support to the knee joint. Deterioration of ligaments has an adverse effect on the health of the knee and can eventually lead to ligament rupture and osteoarthritis. In this study, the feasibility of near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was, for the first time, tested for evaluation of ligament and tendon mechanical properties by performing measurements on bovine stifle joint ligament (N=40) and patellar tendon (N=10) samples. The mechanical properties of the samples were determined using a uni-axial tensile testing protocol. Partial least squares regression models were then developed to determine if morphological, viscoelastic, and quasi-static properties of the samples could be predicted from the NIR spectra. Best performance of NIRS in predicting mechanical properties was observed for toughness at yield point (median Q 2 CV = 0.54, median normalized RM SE CV = 6.1%), toughness at failure point (median Q 2 CV = 0.53, median normalized RM SE CV = 6.6%), and the ultimate strength of the ligament/tendon (median Q 2 CV = 0.52, median normalized RM SE CV = 8.3%). Thus, we show that NIRS is capable of estimating ligament and tendon biomechanical properties, especially in parameters related to tissue failure. We believe this method could substantially enhance the currently limited arthroscopic evaluation of ligaments and tendons.

Near-Infrared Spectroscopy for Mapping of Human Meniscus Biochemical Constituents

“…NIRS has already been successfully applied for assessment of several connective tissues. 2,13,21,22,24,25,27,30 So far, we have successfully demonstrated relationships between the near-infrared spectral response of human meniscus and its constituents and biomechanical properties. 3,4 In this study, we hypothesize that NIRS can be adapted for mapping, and potentially visualizing changes in the composition of human meniscus.…”

Techniques for In Vivo Measurement of Ligament and Tendon Strain: A Review

“…However, several techniques have been used to measure in vivo strains in animal tissue (sonomicrometry, 118 liquid metal strain gauges 26 ), in vivo strains in human bone, 49 and in vivo loading in human tendons (fibre optic sensors, 43 buckle transducers, 52 shear wave tensiometers 111 ). Furthermore, novel techniques such as near infrared spectroscopy 170 show promise to quantify musculoskeletal soft tissue mechanical properties. The working principles behind any of these techniques may lead to the needed breakthrough that overcomes the limitations of current strain measurement methods.…”

Near infrared spectroscopic evaluation of biochemical and crimp properties of knee joint ligaments and patellar tendon

“…Even more recently, the effectiveness of NIRS-based evaluation of articular cartilage was demonstrated during ex vivo arthroscopy [ 29 ]. Related to NIRS-based evaluation of ligaments, only Padalkar et al [ 30 ] and Torniainen et al [ 31 ] have evaluated the water content of ACL and the mechanical properties of knee ligaments, respectively. However, comprehensive evaluation of the biochemical and structural properties of knee ligaments with NIRS has not been previously attempted.…”

“…These studies verified, for instance, the link between collagen content and the strength and toughness of the tissue, as well as the role of proteoglycans in modulating functional properties of ligaments. The relationship between NIRS and biomechanical properties of these samples was investigated by Torniainen et al [ 31 ]. The NIRS and reference data used in this study are also available as open access datasets [ 33 ].…”