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Investigation of the mechanical properties of the plantar aponeurosis

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Abstract

Introduction

The aim of this work was to obtain a preliminary investigation of the mechanical properties of the human plantar aponeurosis based on regional observation, in order to rationally plan a subsequent larger experimental campaign and develop suited constitutive models to characterize the mechanical response of this tissue.

Materials and methods

Different in vitro mechanical tests were developed on eleven samples taken from the plantar aponeurosis of human cadaver (man, age 78 years). The samples were tested along the distal–proximal direction. Range of elasticity of the tissue, development of damage phenomena and stress relaxation at different levels of strain were evaluated.

Results

The strength of the tissue was found in the order of that proposed in previous works, with peak stress of about 12.5 MPa. The compliance of the plantar aponeurosis was in line with in vivo evaluation. A softening behaviour appeared for tensile strain larger than 12%. In relaxation tests, the stress was reduced of 35–40% in 120 s. The percentage stress relaxation was found independent on the level of the applied strain.

Discussion

The evaluation of the mechanical characteristics is fundamental for a subsequent development of numerical models of the plantar aponeurosis. Such approach is helpful to understand its response to overuse, but also to understand the clinical results of different manual and physical therapies that use warm, pressure or stretch to modify this tissue.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to CARIPARO Foundation (ITALY) for the funding the mechanical testing instrument that was adopted in this work.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre of Mechanics of Biological Materials, University of Padova, Padova, Italy

    P. G. Pavan, C. Stecco, S. Darwish & A. N. Natali

  2. Department of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Section of Anatomy, University of Padova, Via A Gabelli 65, 35127, Padova, Italy

    C. Stecco & R. De Caro

Authors
  1. P. G. Pavan
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  2. C. Stecco
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  3. S. Darwish
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  4. A. N. Natali
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  5. R. De Caro
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to C. Stecco.

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Pavan, P.G., Stecco, C., Darwish, S. et al. Investigation of the mechanical properties of the plantar aponeurosis. Surg Radiol Anat 33, 905–911 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-011-0873-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00276-011-0873-z

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