Biomechanical Properties and Elementar Composytions of Canine Fascia Lata

Deep fascia is formed by a connective membrane that sheaths all muscles. It is devoid of fat, forms sheaths for the nerves and vessels, becomes specialized around the joints to form or strengthen ligaments, envelops various organs [1]. The fascia lata is the deep fascia of the thigh. It is often used as a graft material in a variety of orthopaedic procedures. Autologous nature of this graft eliminates the risk of graft-versus-host reactions [2]. Knowledge of the normal structure and function, chemical content of fascia will help towards a clearer understanding of the pathological changes which can occur [3]. Till now, to the authors’ best knowledge, neither elemental composition nor biomechanical properties of canine fascia lata were subject to detailed analysis. Therefore in this study both facial elemental content and mechanical behaviour were examined.