Research progress on biomechanical characteristics of soft tissues

Abstract

Human soft tissues mainly contain skin, mucous membrane, tendons, ligaments, skeletal muscles, smooth muscles, fascia, central nerves, peripheral nerves, arteries, veins, blood clots, cornea, and other organs. Due to different anatomical structures and microstructures, general mechanical parameters between soft tissues vary significantly. However, as viscoelastic materials, soft tissues show the common mechanical characteristics such as nonlinear, anisotropic and viscoelastic generally. These biomechanical properties are widely used and embodied in surgical practices, such as surgical selection, tissue transplantation, repair or reconstruction, and recovery training. For instance, the choice of surgical incisions should take into account the distribution of tension in different parts of the skin. The properties of creep and extension in soft tissues make nerve elongation possible. There are different limitations and ranges of application among various tests and measurement methods. However, benefited from the progression and integration of related theoretical or experimental approaches methods, biomechanical measured parameters of various soft tissues are more accurate and objective. As an important branch of biomechanics, progress of soft tissue biomechanics is closely associated with orthopedic clinic, through which clinicians can deepen their understanding on the mechanical characteristics of various soft tissues and related pathological mechanisms. In this article, we summarized the biomechanical characteristics of various soft tissues related closely with orthopedic clinic, including the skin, tendons, ligaments, skeletal muscles, peripheral nerves, arteries and veins. Meanwhile, influence factors and research progress were summarized and analyzed to embody the theoretical principles into a clinical practice.