Design and performance of a modified buckle transducer for the measurement of ligament tension.

The basic features of a modified buckle transducer for the direct in-situ measurement of tension in ligamentous or tendonous tissues are described. The slender shape of the modified design allows measurement in ligaments located in confined spaces with reduced risk of physical interference between the transducer and adjacent bony structures. In addition, simultaneous measurements in different fiber groups of the same ligament are made convenient. The design procedure of the proposed transducer and its performance characteristics are described.