Infrared and Raman spectroscopy methods are used to assess the tension of
ligaments, tendons and other tissue. The device includes an
electromagnetic radiation source for directing radiation energy onto a
sample, either directly or using a probe. Between the radiation source
and the sample, emitted electromagnetic energies pass through a filtering
device and are directed to the sample using optical components such as
mirrors, lenses and optical fibers. After impacting the tissue, scattered
emissions are collected by a collecting lens at a predetermined geometry.
The scattered emissions are collected by a collection means such as lens
and optical fibers directed to another filtering device and a
spectrum-analyzing device, and detected with a photon-detecting device.
The collected scattering signals are analyzed using a computing device
such as a computer or a microprocessor. The tension in the tissue is
obtained from the analysis of the scattered emissions.