Table 1

Mechanical properties of human ligaments and tendons

Tissue

Modulus (MPa)

Ultimate Tensile Strength (MPa)

Ultimate Strain (%)

Source

Knee

Medial Collateral Ligament

332 ± 58

39 ± 5

17 ± 2

[74]

Anterior Cruciate Ligament

65–447

13–46

15–44

[75-77]

Posterior Cruciate Ligament

150–447

30–36

11–19

[67,75,78]

Patellar Tendon

504–680

54–65

12–15

[75,79,80]

Lower extremity

Gracilis Tendon

590–1734

111–112

7–19.4

[79,81]

Semitendinosus Tendon

540–1081

89–124

8–23

[79,81]

Achilles Tendon

819 ± 208

79 ± 22

9 ± 2

[82]

Shoulder

Inferior Glenohumeral Ligament

5–42

1–6

8–33

[83,84]

Posterior Glenohumeral Capsule

10–32

2–5

22–23

[85]

Jung et al. Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy, Rehabilitation, Therapy & Technology 2009 1:9   doi:10.1186/1758-2555-1-9