Biomechanical properties of the anterior band of the inferior glenohumeral ligament under stress

Abstract

This paper is aimed at studying the behavior of the band of inferior glenohumeral ligament subjected to uniaxial traction. Twenty ligaments were distributed in two groups: Group I ( ligaments with bony origin and insertion) and Group II ( medial portion of the ligament). Uniaxial traction was applied to all tendons utilizing a traction machine develop in the Department of Physics of UFC. Hooke's Law was used for evaluation of ligament behavior during elastic phase and the Exponential stress-strain Law, for rigidity phase. All ligaments had the same behavior, presenting a phase of elasticity , followed by one of rigidity. After evaluation of the elastic phase , applying Hooke's Law, ligaments constants were 10.507 N/mm ( group I ) and 13.80 N/mm ( group II), suffering a straining of 2.83% and 2.84%,respectively, until the ligament became rigid. During rigidity phase, the constants were 511.56% N/mm (group I) and 156.84% N/mm (group II). It is concluded that the ligament submitted to traction suffers a small elongation until becoming rigid along with an important increase in force constants during rigidity phase.

Keywords

• Biomechanics
• Inferior glenohumeral ligament
• Stress