The development and initial testing of a new sensor to simultaneously measure strain and pressure in tendons and ligaments

A miniature sensor was constructed to simultaneously measure both local strain and pressure in soft tissues. An attempt was made to determine if the data output from the sensor can be used to determine the absolute zero strain reference or the Hall effect strain transducer (HEST) length at which the tendon just begins to be loaded. With this reference, an attempt was also made to determine whether the pressure measurement from the sensor can be used to predict the stress applied to the tendon. Six fresh bovine tendon specimens were tested. The authors demonstrated the ability to accurately and reproducibly determine an absolute reference which permits definition of zero strain. The prediction of tendon stress also seems possible