Decoding the mechanical characteristics of the human anterior cruciate ligament entheses through graduated mineralization interfaces.

ABSTRACT: The anterior cruciate ligament is anchored to the femur and tibia via specialized interfaces known as entheses. These play a critical role in ligament homeostasis and joint stability by transferring forces, varying in magnitude and direction between structurally and functionally dissimilar tissues. However, the precise structural and mechanical characteristics underlying the femoral and tibial entheses and their intricate interplay remain elusive. In this study, two thin-graduated mineralization regions in the femoral enthesis (~21 μm) and tibial enthesis (~14 μm) are identified, both exhibiting distinct biomolecular compositions and mineral assembly patterns. Notably, the femoral enthesis interface exhibits progressively maturing hydroxyapatites, whereas the mineral at the tibial enthesis

SUBMITTER: Fang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11513108 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature