Device and method for ascertaining the force-displacement characteristic curve of one or more ligaments

A system for ascertaining a force-displacement relationship or a force-displacement characteristic curve of one or more animal or human articular or other ligaments, the system comprising:

• an appliance configured for tensioning ligaments;
• a marker detector configured for detecting at least one marker associated with the appliance;
• and
• a data evaluator configured for evaluating data ascertained from said detection of the at least one marker;
• and
• wherein the appliance comprises:
• at least one handle;
• a tensioning element associated with said at least one handle, the handle being in operative engagement with the associated tensioning element;
• and
• a force indicator associated with said at least one handle and configured to indicate a force exerted on the tensioning element upon tensioning of one or more ligaments;
• wherein the at least one marker is associated with the force indicator and is configured to be detected without contact with the marker detector and data evaluator, and wherein said at least one marker is configured to provide one or more non-electronic signals to the marker detector corresponding to the force indicated by the force indicator;
• a displacement indicator associated with said at least one handle, said displacement indicator configured to indicate displacement of the tensioning element from a reference position;
• and
• another marker associated with the displacement indicator, said another marker configured to be detected without contact by the marker detector and data evaluator, and wherein said another marker is configured to provide one or more non-electronic signals to the marker detector and data evaluator corresponding to the displacement indicated by the displacement indicator.