The functional microstructure of tendon collagen revealed by high‐field MRI

• DOI: 10.1002/mrm.23036
• Publication Date: 2011-06-15T10:19:27Z
• Authors: Kelsey M. Mountain; Thorarin A. Bjarn...; Jeff F. Dunn; John R. Matyas
• Keywords: Crimp; Collagen fibres; Polarized light microscopy; Strain (injury)

Abstract T 2 was used in this study to assess tendon microstructure. Two unloaded digital extensor tendons were bent such that their long axes imaged throughout 180° with respect B 0 . ‐weighted images reveal periodic banding (∼200 μm) when oriented at ±55° Five pairs of the influence load on T2W MRI: one each pair loaded a 7.8‐N mass, and both fixed formalin then 55° MRI present unloaded, but not loaded, tendons. In tendons, polarized‐light microscopy revealed collagen crimp periodicity similar MRI. there strain‐induced extinction microscopy. These studies confirm is detectable by high‐field could serve as an vivo index physiological strains collagenous tissues. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.