Microstructural characterization of the transition region between scar and normal tissues in a healing medial collateral ligament

P. P. Provenzano, C. Hurschler, R. Vanderby

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the microstructure and collagen organization in the transition region between scar and normal tissues of the medial collateral ligament (MCL) in a rat model using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Transition region microscopy consistently demonstrated continuity of collagen fibers and fibrils from the residual portions of the transected ligament through the scar region. Bifurcations/fusions, but no anastomosis, in fibers and fibrils were observed in both normal and scar tissues. In the scar region larger diameter fibers of the normal tissue bifurcated into smaller diameter fibrils in the scar region. This connection between larger diameter and smaller diameter tissues indicates that bifurcations/fusion are likely to be the dominant way in which force is transmitted in the healing ligament.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationAnnual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology - Proceedings
PublisherIEEE
Number of pages1
ISBN (Print)0780356756
StatePublished - Dec 1 1999
EventProceedings of the 1999 IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology 21st Annual Conference and the 1999 Fall Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society (1st Joint BMES / EMBS) - Atlanta, GA, USA
Duration: Oct 13 1999Oct 16 1999

Publication series

NameAnnual International Conference of the IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology - Proceedings
Volume1
ISSN (Print)0589-1019

Other

OtherProceedings of the 1999 IEEE Engineering in Medicine and Biology 21st Annual Conference and the 1999 Fall Meeting of the Biomedical Engineering Society (1st Joint BMES / EMBS)
CityAtlanta, GA, USA
Period10/13/9910/16/99

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Microstructural characterization of the transition region between scar and normal tissues in a healing medial collateral ligament'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this