The lower shear modulus of younger subjects can result in stronger Achilles tendons: an in silico analysis

• Published in: Journal of the Brazilian Society of Mechanical Sciences and Engineering Vol. 47; no. 6
• Main Authors: Pinto, Otávio Teixeira, Klahr, Bruno, Thiesen, José Luís Medeiros, Carniel, Thiago André, Fancello, Eduardo Alberto
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Berlin/Heidelberg Springer Berlin Heidelberg 01.06.2025; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Chemical bonds; Collagen; Engineering; Finite element method; Lateral forces; Lesions; Mechanical Engineering; Shear modulus; Shear stress; Stress concentration; Stress distribution; Technical Paper; Tendons; Aging; Tendinopathy; Achilles tendon computational model; Sliding

Proteins such as the collagen of tendons and other structures of the body tend to form cross-links with their neighbors as a result of aging. These new chemical bonds are known to increase the lateral force transfer between collagen molecules and, as a consequence, increase the shear stresses presen...