| 摘要 |
A tension structure suitable for in vivo implantation e.g. as a substitute tendon or ligament having a plurality of longitudinal strands 16 of a biocompatible fabric 12 with the ends of the strands in the fabric and bonded with a film 14, and a sleeve of a biocompatible polymer 42 surrounding the strands, the strands being slidable with respect to each other and movable in the sleeve for adjusting their relative positions whereby the structure load is substantially uniformly distributed among the strands and a means on the ends of the structure for securing the structure in implanted position. The structure is preferably formed by removing the transverse (fill) strands 18 of a biocompatible fabric between the bonded ends of the fabric, to leave only an array of parallel warp strands between the bonded ends. In one embodiment the strands form a continuous loop the ends of which project from opposite ends of the protective sleeve 42 to form loops 48 at opposite ends for in situ attachment of the structure. |
