About Our Tendon Mechanics Research

Tendon is a crucial component to balance and locomotion, yet our understanding of this complex tissue lacks a full picture of the interplay between structure, pain and function. Tendon injuries are common musculoskeletal injuries that account for over 30% of all musculoskeletal consultations, {7787617} which may be due, in part, to tendon’s limited ability to repair itself. Commonly, tendon injury is divided into two main categories: tendinopathy and tear. Tendinopathy is the generic term for clinical conditions in tendons arising from overuse, and tendon tear is rupture of the tendon substance that can be classified as either full- or partial-thickness tear.

Mechanically, tendon is a fiber-based tissue with nonlinear, viscoelastic, anisotropic, and heterogeneous mechanical properties. The specific material response of tendon varies between tendons from different parts of the body and to some degree, between people. This makes it difficult to predict tendon’s response to intervention, including surgery and physical therapy. 

Our goal is to use cadaveric, animal, and computational models to provide evidence-based feedback to inform clinical decisions regarding tendon injury.