3D characterization of deformation mechanisms of the Achilles tendon enthesis using Texture tomography and phase contrast µCT

The enthesis is an insertion site of tendon into bone with a highly complex organization. Gradients in collagen and mineral content, organization and structure across the enthesis at multiple hierarchical levels provide it with exceptional mechanical properties. However, the local deformation mechanisms, especially at the nano- and microscale, are still poorly understood. This is partly due to the difficulties of studying the smaller length scales of this region in 3D. To this end, we propose to use Texture tomography (TexTOM), together µm phase contrast CT to study the mouse Achilles tendon enthesis during in situ mechanical testing to understand both the nano- and microscale deformation and load transfer mechanisms of the enthesis and their relation to the overall response of this interface.