Login / Signup

The structure, biology and mechanical function of tendon/ligament-bone interfaces.

Huizhi WangKaixin HeCheng-Kung Cheng
Published in: Tissue engineering. Part B, Reviews (2024)
After tendon or ligament reconstruction, the interface between the hard bone and soft connective tissue is considerably weakened and is difficult to restore through healing. The tendon/ligament-bone interface is mechanically the weakest point under tensile loading and is often the source of various postoperative complications, such as bone resorption and graft laxity. A comprehensive understanding of the macro- and micro- features of the native tendon/ligament-bone interface would be beneficial for developing strategies for regenerating the tissue. This paper discusses the structural, biological and mechanical features of the tendon/ligament-bone interfaces and how these can be affected by aging and loading conditions. Impact Statement This review provides an up-to-date summary of the structural, biological and mechanical features of the tendon/ligament-bone interfaces, and how these can be affected by aging and loading conditions. A thorough understanding of these features provides critical foundation for developing advanced techniques for ligament/tendon reconstruction and soft-hard tissue interface engineering.
Keyphrases
  • bone mineral density
  • anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
  • bone loss
  • soft tissue
  • rotator cuff
  • bone regeneration
  • body composition