Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Volume 13, Issue 2 , Pages 136-154 , April 2009

Ligaments: A source of musculoskeletal disorders

  • Moshe Solomonow, B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., M.D. (hon)

      Affiliations

    • Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Laboratory, Bioengineering Division, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Colorado, Denver, Health Sciences Center, 12800 E. 19th Avenue, Mail Stop 8343, PO Box 6511, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
    • Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Colorado, Denver, 1200 Larimer st., Denver, CO 80217, USA
    • Corresponding Author InformationCorresponding author at: Musculoskeletal Disorders Research Laboratory, University of Colorado at Denver and Health Sciences Center, 12800 E. 19th Avenue, Mail Stop 8343, PO Box 6511, Aurora, CO 80045, USA. Tel.: +13037240383; fax: +13037240394.

Received 12 October 2007 ,Revised 31 January 2008 ,Accepted 4 February 2008.

References 

  1. Amiel D, Akeson WH, Harwood FL. Stress deprivation effect on metabolic turnover of the medial collateral ligament collagen: a comparison between 9- and 12-week immobilization. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 1983;172:265–270
  2. Andersson S, Stener B. Experimental evaluation of the hypothesis of ligamento-muscular protective reflexes, II. A study in cats using medial collateral ligament of the knee joint. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica. 1959;66(Suppl.):27–49
  3. Beard DJ, Kyberd PJ, O’Connor JJ, Fergusson CM, Dodd CAF. Reflex hamstring contraction in anterior cruciate ligament deficiency. Journal of Orthopaedic Research. 1994;12:219–228
  4. Binkley JM, Peat M. The effect of immobilization on the ultra structure and mechanical properties of the medial collateral ligament of rats. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 1986;203:301–308
  5. Bryant W. Wound healing. Clinical Symposium. 1977;29:1–36
  6. Burgess P, Clark F. Characteristics of knee joint receptors in the cat. Journal of Physiology. 1969;203:317–335
  7. Chu D, LeBlanc R, D’Ambrosia P, D’Ambrosia R, Baratta RV, Solomonow M. Neuromuscular disorder in response to anterior cruciate ligament creep. Clinical Biomechanics. 2003;19:222–230
  8. Claude L, Solomonow M, Zhou B, Baratta RV, Zhu M. Neuromuscular dysfunction elicited by cyclic lumbar flexion. Muscle and Nerve. 2003;27:348–358
  9. Courville A, Sbriccoli P, Zhou B, Solomonow M, Lu Y, Burger E. Short rest periods after static lumbar flexion are a risk factor for cumulative low back disorder. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 2005;15:37–52
  10. Crisco J, Chelikani S, Brown R. Effects of exercise on ligamentous stiffness in the wrist. Journal of Hand Surgery. 1997;22A:44–48
  11. Dyhre-Poulsen P, Krogsgard M. Muscular reflexes elicited by electrical stimulation of the anterior cruciate ligament in humans. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2000;89:2191–2195
  12. Ekholm J, Eklund G, Skoglung S. On the reflex effects from the knee joint of the cat. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica. 1960;50:167–174
  13. Ekstrom L, Kaigle A, Hult E, et al. Intervertebral disc response to cyclic loading: an animal model. Proceedings of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers. 1996;209:249–258
  14. Eversull E, Solomonow M, Zhou B, Baratta RV, Zhu M. Neuromuscular neutral zones sensitivity to lumbar displacement rate. Clinical Biomechanics. 2001;16:102–113
  15. Frank C, Amiel D, Woo S, Akeson W. Normal ligament properties and ligament healing. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 1985;196:15–25
  16. Freeman M, Wyke B. The innervation of the knee joint: an anatomical and histological study in the cat. Journal of Anatomy. 1967;101:505–532
  17. Freeman M, Wyke B. Articular reflexes at the ankle joint: an electromyographic study of normal and abnormal influences of ankle-joint mechanoreceptors upon reflex activity in the leg muscles. British Journal of Surgery. 1967;54:990–1001
  18. Gamble J. The Musculoskeletal System, Physiological Basics. NY: Raven Press; 1988;
  19. Gardner E. The distribution and termination of nerves in the knee joint of the cat. Journal of Comparative Neurology. 1944;80:11–32
  20. Gedalia U, Solomonow M, Zhou B, Baratta RV, Lu Y, Harris M. Biomechanics of increased exposure to lumbar injury by cyclic loading: II. Recovery of reflexive muscular activity with rest. Spine. 1999;24:2461–2467
  21. Gomez, M., 1988. The effect of tension on normal and healing medial collateral ligament. Thesis, University of California, San Diego.
  22. Guanche C, Knatt T, Solomonow M, Lu Y, Baratta RV. The synergistic action of the capsule and shoulder muscles. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 1995;23:301–306
  23. Guanche C, Noble J, Solomonow M, Wink C. Periarticular neural elements in the shoulder. Orthopaedics. 1999;22:615–617
  24. Halata Z, Retting T, Schulze W. The ultra-structure of sensory nerve endings in the human knee joint capsule. Anatomic Embryology. 1985;172:65–275
  25. Hirokawa S, Solomonow M, Lu Y, Lou Z, D’Ambrosia R. Muscular co-contraction and control of knee stability. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 1991;1:199–208
  26. Hirokawa S, Solomonow M, Lu Y, Lou ZP, D’Ambrosia R. Anterior posterior and rotational displacement of the tibia elicited by quadriceps contraction. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 1992;20:299–306
  27. Hoogendoorn W, Bangers P, de Vet H, et al. Flexion and rotation of the trunk and lifting at work are risk factors for low back pain: results of a cohort study. Spine. 2000;25:3087–3092
  28. Hoops H, Zhou B, Lu Y, Solomonow M, Patel V. Short rest between cyclic flexion periods is a risk factor for lumbar disorder. Clinical Biomechanics. 2007;22:754–757
  29. Indahl A, Kaigle A, Reikeras O, Holh S. EMG response of porcine multifidus musculature after nerve stimulation. Spine. 1995;20:2652–2658
  30. Indahl A, Kaigle A, Reikeras O, Holm S. Interaction between porcine lumbar intervertebral disc, zygapophysial joints and paraspinal muscles. Spine. 1997;22:2834–2840
  31. Jackson H, Winkelman R, Bickel W. Nerve endings in the human lumbar spinal column and related structures. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 1966;48A:1272–1281
  32. Jackson M, Solomonow M, Zhou B, Baratta RV, Harris M. Multifidus EMG and tension–relaxation recovery after prolonged static lumbar flexion. Spine. 2001;26:715–723
  33. Johansson H, Sjölander P, Sojka P, Wadell I. Reflex actions on the gamma-muscle-spindle systems of muscles acting at the knee joint elicited by stretch of the posterior cruciate ligament. Neurology and Orthopaedics. 1989;8:9–21
  34. Kim A, Rosen A, Brander V, Buchanan T. Selective muscle activity following electrical stimulation of the collateral ligaments in human knees. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 1995;76:750–757
  35. Klein L, Player JS, Heiple KG. Isotopic evidence for resorption of soft tissues and bone in immobilized dogs. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 1982;64A:225–230
  36. Knatt T, Guanche C, Solomonow M, Lu Y, Baratta RV, Zhou B. The Gleno-humeral-biceps reflex in the feline. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 1995;314:247–252
  37. LaBry R, Sbriccoli P, Zhou B, Solomonow M. Longer static flexion duration elicits a neuromuscular disorder in the lumbar spine. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2004;96:2005–2015
  38. Le P, Solomonow M, Zhou B, Lu Y, Patel V. Cyclic load magnitude is a risk factor for accumulative low back disorder. Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. 2007;49:375–387
  39. Leadbetter W. An introduction to sports induced soft tissue inflammation. In:  Leadbetter W,  Buckwalter J,  Gordon S editor. Sports Induced Inflammation. Park Ridge, IL: AAOS; 1990;
  40. Li L, Patel N, Solomonow D, Le P, Hoops H, Gerhardt D, et al. Neuromuscular response to cyclic lumbar twisting. Human Factors. 2007;39:820–829
  41. Louie J, Mote C. Contribution of the musculature to rotary laxity and torsional stiffness at the knee. Journal of Biomechanics. 1987;20:281–300
  42. Lu D, Solomonow M, Zhou B, Baratta RV, Li L. Frequency dependent changes in neuromuscular responses to cyclic lumbar flexion. Journal of Biomechanics. 2004;37:845–855
  43. Lu, D., Le, P., Solomonow, M., Zhou, B., Lu, Y., in press. Cyclic lumbar flexion at high frequency is a risk factor for cumulative disorder. Muscle and Nerve.
  44. Markolf K, Mensch J, Amstutz H. Stiffness and laxity of the knee: contribution of the supporting structures. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 1976;58:583–594
  45. Markolf K, Graff-Radford A, Amstutz H. In vivo knee stability. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery [Am]. 1978;60:664–674
  46. Martinez-Hernandez A. Repair, degeneration and fibrosis. In:  Farber E,  Farber J editor. Pathology. Philadelphia: JB Lippincott; 1988;
  47. McGill S, Brown S. Creep response of the lumbar spine to prolonged full flexion. Clinical Biomechanics. 1992;7:43–46
  48. Michna H. Morphometric analysis of loading-induced changes in collagen-fibril populations in young tendons. Cell Tissue Research. 1984;236:465–470
  49. Mosler E, Folkhard W, Knörzer E. Stress-induced molecular rearrangement in tendon collagen. Journal of Molecular Biology. 1985;182:589–596
  50. Mountcastle V. Medical Physiology. St. Louis: Mosby-Year Book; 1974;
  51. Navar D, Zhou B, Lu Y, Solomonow M. High repetition of cyclic loading is a risk factor for lumbar disorders. Muscle and Nerve. 2006;34:614–622
  52. Nemetschek T, Jelinek K, Knörzer E, et al. Transformation of the structure of collagen: a time-resolved analysis of mechanochemical processes using synchrotron radiation. Journal of Molecular Biology. 1983;167:461–479
  53. Oakes BW, Parker AW, Norman J. Changes in collagen fiber populations in young rat cruciate ligaments in response to an intensive one month's exercise program. In:  Russo P,  Gass G editor. Cumberland College of Health Sciences. 1981;p. 223–230
  54. Olson M, Li L, Solomonow M. Flexion–relaxation response to cyclic lumbar flexion. Clinical Biomechanics. 2004;19:769–776
  55. Olson M, Solomonow M, Li L. Flexion–relaxation response to gravity. Journal of Biomechanics. 2006;29:2545–2554
  56. Olson, M., Li, L., Solomonow, M., in press. Interaction of viscoelastic tissue compliance with lumbar muscles during passive cyclic flexion-extension. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology.
  57. Palmer I. On the injuries of the ligaments of the knee joint. Acta Chirurgica Scandinavica Supplementary. 1938;53:
  58. Palmer I. Pathophysiology of the medial ligament of the knee joint. Acta Chirurgica Scandinavica. 1958;115:312–318
  59. Payr E. Der heutige Stand der Gelenkchirugie. Archives of Klinikal Chirurgica. 1900;148:404–451
  60. Peterson, R.H., 1986. The effect of strain rate on biomechanical property of the medical collateral ligament. Thesis, University of California, San Diego.
  61. Petrie S, Collins J, Solomonow M, Wink C, Chuinard R. Mechanoreceptors in the palmar wrist ligaments. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 1997;79B:494–496
  62. Petrie S, Collins J, Solomonow M, Wink C, Chuinard R, D’Ambrosia R. Mechanoreceptors in the human elbow ligaments. Journal of Hand Surgery. 1998;23A:512–518
  63. Phillips D, Petrie S, Solomonow M, Zhou BH, Guanche C, D’Ambrosia R. Ligamento-muscular protective reflex in the elbow. Journal of Hand Surgery. 1997;22A:473–478
  64. Polacek P. Receptors in the joints: their structure, variability and classification. Acta Facultatis Medicae. 1966;2:1–107
  65. Proske U, Schaible H, Schmidt R. Joint receptors and kinesthesia. Experimental Brain Research. 1988;72:219–224
  66. Raunest J, Sager M, Bürgener E. Proprioceptive mechanisms in the cruciate ligaments: an electromyographic study on reflex activity in the thigh muscles. Journal of Trauma: Injury, Infection and Critical Care. 1996;41:488–493
  67. Renstrom P, Arms SW, Stanwyck TS, Johnson RJ, Pope MM. Strain within the ACL during hamstring and quadriceps activity. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 1986;14:83–87
  68. Safran M. Elbow injuries in athletes: a review. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 1985;310:257–277
  69. Sbriccoli P, Solomonow M, Zhou B, Baratta R, Lu Y, Zhu M, et al. Static load magnitude is a risk factor in the development of cumulative low back disorder. Muscle and Nerve. 2004;29:300–308
  70. Sbriccoli P, Youssef K, Kiperstein I, Solomonow M, Zhou B, Shu M, et al. Static load repetition is a risk factor in the development of lumbar cumulative musculoskeletal disorder. Spine. 2004;29:2643–2653
  71. Sbriccoli P, Solomonow M, Zhou B, Lu Y. Work to rest duration ratios exceeding unity are a risk factor for low back disorder. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 2007;17:142–152
  72. Schaible H, Schmidt R. Response of fine medial articular nerve afferents to passive movements to the knee joint. Journal of Neurophysiology. 1983;49:1118–1126
  73. Schaible H, Schmidt R, Willis W. Response of spinal cord neurons to stimulation of articular afferent fibers in the cat. Journal of Physiology. 1986;372:575–593
  74. Schulz FA, Miller DC, Keer CS, Micheli L. Mechanoreceptors in the human cruciate ligaments. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery [Am]. 1984;66:1072–1076
  75. Silverstein B, Fine L, Armstrong T. Hand-wrist cumulative trauma disorders in Industry. British Journal of Industrial Medicine. 1986;43:779–784
  76. Sjölander, P., 1989. A sensory role for the cruciate ligaments. Dissertation, Umea University, Umea, Sweden.
  77. Skinner H, Barrack R. Joint position sense in the normal and pathologic knee joint. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 1991;1:180–190
  78. Skoglund S. Anatomical and physiological studies of the knee joint innervation in the cat. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica (Supplementary). 1956;36(124):1–101
  79. Solomonow M, Krogsgaard M. Sensor-motor control of knee stability: a review. Scandinavian Journal of Medicine, Science and Sports. 2001;11:64–80
  80. Solomonow M, Lewis J. Reflexive control of ankle stability. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 2002;12:193–198
  81. Solomonow M, Baratta RV, Zhou BH, Shoki H, Bose W, Beck C, et al. The synergistic action of the ACL and thigh muscles in maintaining joint stability. American Journal of Sports Medicine. 1987;15:20–213
  82. Solomonow M, Guanche C, Wind C, Knatt T, Baratta R, Lu Y. Mechanoreceptors and reflex arc in the feline shoulder. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 1996;5:139–146
  83. Solomonow M, Zhou B, Harris M, Lu Y, Baratta RV. The ligamento-muscular stabilizing system of the spine. Spine. 1998;23:2552–2562
  84. Solomonow M, Eversull E, Zhou B, Baratta RV, Zhu M. Neuromuscular neutral zones associated with viscoelastic hysteresis during cyclic lumbar flexion. Spine. 2001;26:E314–E324
  85. Solomonow M, Baratta RV, Banks A, Freudenberger C, Zhou B. Flexion–relaxation response to static lumbar flexion in males and females. Clinical Biomechanics. 2003;18:273–279
  86. Solomonow M, Baratta RV, Zhou B, Burger E, Zieske A, Gedalia A. Muscular dysfunction elicited by creep of lumbar viscoelastic tissues. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 2003;13:381–396
  87. Solomonow M, Hatipkarasulu S, Zhou B, Baratta RV, Aghazadeh F. Biomechanics and EMG of a common idiopathic low back disorder. Spine. 2003;28:1235–1248
  88. Stener B. Experimental evaluation of the hypothesis of ligamento-muscular protective reflexes: I. A method for adequate stimulation of receptors in the medial collateral ligament of the knee joint of the cat. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica. 1959;48(Suppl. 166):5–26
  89. Stener B, Petersen I. Electromyogaraphic investigation of reflex effects upon stretching the partially ruptured medial collateral ligament of the knee. Acta Chirurgica Scandinavica. 1962;124:396–414
  90. Stubbs M, Harris M, Solomonow M, Zhou B, Lu Y, Baratta RV. Ligamento-muscular protective reflex in the lumbar spine of the feline. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 1998;8:197–204
  91. Suominen H, Kiiskinen A, Heikkinen E. Effects of physical training on metabolism of connective tissues in young mice. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica. 1980;108:17–22
  92. Tipton CM, James SL, Mergner W. Influence of exercise on strength of medial collateral knee ligaments of dogs. American Journal of Physiology. 1970;218:894–902
  93. Viidik A. The effect of training on the tensile strength of isolated rabbit tendons. Scandinavian Journal of Plastic Reconstructive Surgery. 1967;1:141–147
  94. Viidik A. Simultaneous mechanical and light microscopic studies of collagen fibers. Zeitschrift fur Anatomie und Entwicklungsgeschichte. 1972;136:204–212
  95. Viidik A, Ekholm R. Light and electron microscopic studies of collagen fibers under strain. Zeitschrift fur Anatomie und Entwicklungsgeschichte. 1968;127:154–164
  96. Voigt M, Jakobsen J, Sinkjaer T. Non-noxious stimulation of the glenohumeral joint capsule elicits strong inhibition of active shoulder muscles in conscious human subjects. Neuroscience Letters. 1998;254:105–108
  97. Woo S, Buckwalter J. Injury and Repair of Musculoskeletal Soft Tissue. Park Ridge, IL: AAOS; 1988;
  98. Woo SLY, Ritter MA, Amiel D, Akeson W. The biomechanical and biochemical properties of swine tendons: long term effects of exercise on the digital extensors. Connective Tissue Research. 1980;7:177–183
  99. Woo SLY, Gomez MA, Amiel D, Akeson W. The effects of exercise on the biomechanical and biochemical properties of swine digital flexor tendons. Journal of Biomechanical Engineering. 1981;103:51–56
  100. Woo SLY, Gomez MA, Sites TJ. The biomechanical and morphological changes in the medial collateral ligament of the rabbit after immobilization and remobilization. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. 1987;69A:1200–1211
  101. Wyke B. The neurology of joints: a review of general principles. Clinical Rheumatology Disorders. 1981;7:223–229
  102. Yahia H, Newman N. Innervation of spinal ligaments of patients with herniated disc. Patholology Research Practice. 1991;187:936–938
  103. Zernicke RF, Butler DL, Grood ES, et al. Strain topography of human tendon and fascia. Journal of Biomechanical Engineering. 1984;106:177–180
  104. Zimney M, Wink C. Mechanoreceptors in the tissues of the knee. Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology. 1991;1:148–157

PII: S1360-8592(08)00010-7

doi: 10.1016/j.jbmt.2008.02.001

Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies
Volume 13, Issue 2 , Pages 136-154 , April 2009

Article Tools

* Image Usage & Resolution