Multiscale Modeling of Ligaments and Tendons - Multiscale Computer Modeling in Biomechanics and Biomedical Engineering - page 102

Multiscale Modeling of Ligaments
and Tendons
Shawn P. Reese, Benjamin J. Ellis and Jeffrey A. Weiss
Abstract Ligaments and tendons are composed primarily of water and fibrillar
type I collagen, which is hierarchically organized into complex structures that span
multiple physical scales. Forces at the macroscopic joint level are transmitted via
interactions at the mesoscale, microscale and nanoscale. Tissue repair and growth
is mediated by fibroblasts and tenocytes, which are subjected to a unique micro-
scale mechanical environment. The burgeoning field of multiscale modeling holds
promise in filling the gaps in our understanding of structure-function relationships
and mechanotransduction in these tissues, and these questions are difficult or
impossible to address using experimental techniques alone. This article reviews
the state of the art in multiscale modeling of ligaments and tendons, while pro-
viding sufficient background on the structure and function of these tissues to allow
a reader who is new to the area to proceed without substantial outside reading. The
multiscale structure of ligaments and tendons is described in detail. The available
data on material characterization at different physical scales is reviewed as well.
The final section of the chapter summarizes the efforts at developing and vali-
dating multiscale models that are relevant to ligament and tendon mechanics, and
identifies future directions for research. Multiscale modeling of tendon and liga-
ment holds considerable promise in advancing our understanding regarding the
complex mechanisms of multiscale force transfer within these tissues.
J. A. Weiss ( & )
Departments of Bioengineering and Orthopedics, and Scientific Computing
and Imaging Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
e-mail: [e-mail]
S. P. Reese B. J. Ellis
Department of Bioengineering, and Scientific Computing and Imaging Institute,
University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA