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(The FASEB Journal. 2007;21:lb552)
© 2007 FASEB
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lb552

The influence of gender on patellar tendon mechanical properties and MRI determined intratendinous signal intensity

Chad C Carroll1, Jared M Dickinson1, Jacob M Haus1, Gary A Lee1, Christopher J Hollon1, Per Aagaard2, S Peter Magnusson2 and Todd A Trappe1

1 Ball State University, Human Performance Laboratory, Muncie, IN, 47306,
2 University of Copenhagen, Institute of Sports Medicine, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark

ABSTRACT

Higher exercise-related connective tissue injury rates in women and differences in patellar tendon metabolism suggest that a gender disparity may exist in tendon mechanical properties. Therefore, patellar tendon mechanical properties of men (n=12; 65±1 yr) and women (n=10, 66±2 yr) were evaluated. Individuals performed a 10s ramped isometric contraction of the quadriceps femoris coupled with monitoring of patellar and tibial movement via ultrasonography and simultaneous recording of muscle force output. Tendon cross-sectional area (CSA), length, and intratendinous signal (IS) intensity were measured via MRI. Tendon force (M: 3325±286; W: 1670±137 N), stiffness (M: 2869±276; W: 1980±236 N·mm–1), modulus (M: 1.1±0.1; W: 0.9±0.1 GPa; p=0.058), tensile stress (M: 28.5±3.1; W: 17.3±1.8 MPa), and tendon CSA (M: 119.8±5.8; W: 96.2±5.4 mm2) were greater in males (p<0.05). In contrast, IS was higher in women (M: 15.4±1.1; W: 19.5±1.6 normalized mean gray value; p<0.05) but tendon deformation, strain, and length were not different (p>0.05). Interestingly, the IS decreased proximal to distal in both genders. Our data demonstrate several sex-specific differences in patellar tendon properties, which likely influence the transfer of force from muscle to bone.

Funding: R01 AG020532





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