The role of proteoglycans in the viscoelastic behaviour of the anterior cruciate ligament

It is the hypothesis of this study that proteoglycans (PGs) in the anterior cruciate ligaments (ACLs) might contribute to the structural integrity of the ligaments whilst altering PG content changes the ECM composition. This change may contribute to the decreased structural support in the ACL, resulting in ligament laxity and ACL injury which are believed to be leading causes of joint degeneration and progressive osteoarthritis. The dataset comprises of biochemical, mechanical and statistical data.