Six PLT and six AT were harvested from frozen cadavers (aged 65?8). Samples were stretched to failure using a Minimat 2000?(Rheometric Scientific Inc.). Force and elongation were recorded. Calculated tangent stiffness, failure stress and strain were obtained. Averaged mechanical properties were compared using paired, one-tailed t-tests.
Mean stiffness was higher (p < 0.001) in the PLT, measuring 5.71 N/mm (4.68?.64), compared with 1.73 N/mm (1.40?.22) in AT. Failure stress was also higher (p < 0.01) in PLT: 1.42 N/mm2 (0.86?.23) AT: 0.20 N/mm2 (0.16?.25). Failure strain was less (p < 0.05) in PLT: 14.1 % (11.5?6.8) than AT: 21.8 % (14.9?7.9).
The PLT is stiffer, stronger than AT, demonstrating potential for relative movement under load. The stiffer PLT could tether AT and initiate an inflammatory response.