Mechanical Properties of Composite Knitted Artificial Ligaments with Reinforcement Structure
摘要
The fabrication of mechanically robust, elastic, and fatigue-resistant artificial ligaments continues to present a considerable challenge in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Knitted ligaments have seen extensive application in ligament repair, owing to their loose architecture, remarkable extensibility, and flexibility. However, the knitted coil configuration is prone to deformation and demonstrates relatively low mechanical strength, making it potentially inadequate to endure excessive tensile forces. To address this issue, this study proposes a composite knitted structure that integrates ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) yarns into a four-flat weft-lined knitted design. This approach aims to enhance the tensile strength, stiffness, and fatigue resistance of the ligaments while maintaining a sufficient level of porosity. The experimental results indicate that the mechanical properties of the ligaments improve as the number of reinforcing yarns increases. Notably, the specimen labelled KAL-6 displays the highest fracture strength and stiffness, along with the lowest rate of stress attenuation. These findings highlight the crucial role of reinforcing structures in optimizing the mechanical performance of knitted artificial ligaments, positioning them as promising alternatives for ACL reconstruction.