Repeatability of experimental procedures to determine mechanical behaviour of ligaments.

The aim of this study was to investigate intra- and interspecimen repeatability of an experimental procedure, which determines elastic and viscoelastic properties of knee ligaments. The collateral ligaments from sheep were used and the repeatability was evaluated in terms of the coefficient of variation. The results indicated a good intraspecimen repeatability (the coefficient of variation generally less than 5%), whereas the interspecimen repeatability was lower (coefficient of variation of about 50%). In conclusion, since the intraspecimen coefficient of variation was low the test procedure was assumed to be repeatable.