A geometric theory of the equilibrium mechanics of fibers in ligaments and tendons.

This paper presents a theoretical analysis of the equilibrium mechanics of bending and twisting fiber geometries in ligaments and tendons. The theory predicts that the bending of loaded fibers is necessarily accompanied by large transverse pressures and pressure gradients. The predicted pressures are especially large at the bone tunnel entries of ligament grafts, where they can equal or exceed the applied tensile loads. Experimental measurements of internal pressures confirm these predictions.