ABSTRACT
The goal of this chapter is to present a method for the measurement of the in situ tensile force in small ligaments, the ligament tension transducer (LTT), and demonstrate its utility by displaying an application to measuring the properties of the ligaments of the volar side of the wrist. This method allows the static in situ force within the bulk of a ligament to be determined without disturbing its functional performance. Before presenting the technique, the significance and history of the study of the biomechanical properties of ligaments will be reviewed; the general mechanical properties of ligaments will be presented since these properties affect the methods by which measurements are made; and the advantages and shortcomings of other techniques will be discussed. The LTT technique, its performance and limitations, and an example application will then be covered.
