[Kinking deformities in collagen (author's transl)].

The affect of stretch on collagen was investigated. Alterations of mechanical dimensions and thermostability of fibrils were measured and changes in fine structure determined by x-ray diffraction and electronmicroscopy. Collagen underwent changes both in tensile strength and fine structure following stretch beyond the physiological range. The severity of these changes depended both on the degree of stretch and the cross-link density of the collagen Fibrils either became split into bundles consisting of subfibrillar units or showed circumscribed kinking deformities. The mechanism producing kinking was investigated. It is possible that a connection exists between fibrillar kinking and tendon rupture.