Pie-crusting of tendons and ligaments

• Main Author: Ng, Samuel Wei Sheng
• Other Authors: Chou Siaw Meng
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2018
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/76327
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

This project attempts to study the structural and mechanical properties of the porcine MCL complex. Surgeons have generally acknowledged that a neutral alignment of the knee structure places the least stress on the joint. Varus knees are a common deformity that knee patients have. During TKA of varus knees, medial release is often required to achieve balanced flexion and extension gaps. Current methods for medial release include the technique popularized by John Insall et al. However a drawback from the traditional method is the difficulty to control the amount of ligament released during the procedure. Pie crusting is currently being studied as a possible alternative technique for medial release. In this study, porcine MCL were loaded in tension to failure. The structural and material properties and site of failure were noted. Reliable results realized are identification of the site of ligament failure, and geometric dimensions like deformation at UTS and strain % at UTS. However, due to slippage of the specimens during testing, some of the material and structural results obtained were unable to be compared with results from other studies. It is concluded that a more reliable way to clamp the specimen is required to enable the gathering of more useful results.