The effects of laser-induced collagen shortening on the biomechanical properties of the inferior glenohumeral ligament complex

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of laser-induced collagen shortening on the biomechanical properties of the inferior glenohumeral ligament complex. Fifty-seven bone-ligament-bone specimens underwent uniaxial tensioning to 10% strain. Approximately half of the specimens then underwent 10% shortening by lasing using a holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. Both groups were again tensioned to 10% strain, and then loaded to failure. Ultimate strain and yield strain were significantly higher in the lased specimens than in the nonlased specimens. No significant difference was found for ultimate stress, yield stress, or elastic modulus between the two groups. Failure of the ligament did not appear to occur in the lased areas. The load-to-failure results suggested that the strength of the ligament complex was not significantly compromised by this lasing protocol.