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Anabolic Steroids, Testosterone and Tendon Rupture Risk

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Anabolic steroids and testosterone are linked to a higher risk of tendon rupture, including the rotator cuff, biceps and quadriceps. How steroids and TRT affect tendons, joints, bone and recovery from surgery.

Updated Sep 202622 citations
A molecular structure beside a small vial.
Testosterone influences muscle and bone; levels and supplementation carry musculoskeletal implications worth understanding. Kieran Hirpara 4.0

What it is

Anabolic steroids are man-made versions of testosterone, the hormone that helps build muscle and bone. Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a prescribed medicine that tops up low testosterone in men whose bodies no longer make enough. A newer group of drugs called SARMs (selective androgen receptor modulators) act on the same hormone system and are sometimes used to build muscle.

Some people use these drugs to treat a genuine hormone deficiency. Others use them to gain muscle or strength, often without a prescription. Both groups need to know that these hormones affect more than muscle. They also affect tendons, the tough cords that join muscle to bone, and joints.

Research has linked prescription testosterone to injuries in several tendons. People who filled a testosterone prescription were more likely to injure the quadriceps tendon at the front of the knee within a year [1]. They also had higher rates of distal biceps tendon injury at the elbow and rotator cuff tears in the shoulder [2] [3]. Testosterone users had a 2.9-fold increased risk of tendon rupture compared with nonusers [4]. Anabolic steroid use has also been linked to pectoralis major rupture in bodybuilders, a tear of the chest muscle from its tendon [5].

The hormones seem to change how tendons behave. Some studies suggest testosterone makes tendons stiffer or weaker in ways that raise injury risk, although one study found no structural changes in the tendon collagen itself [6]. Low testosterone also matters: it appears to harm the musculoskeletal system too [7]. This page explains what the research shows, so you can discuss your own situation with your doctor.

Does it work?

There is no simple answer here, because these hormones do different things in different parts of the body.

For tendons, the picture is concerning. People who filled a testosterone prescription were much more likely to injure the quadriceps tendon at the front of the knee within a year, and more likely to need surgery to repair it [1]. People prescribed at least 3 months of testosterone had a higher rate of ACL injuries in the knee over a 2-year period [2]. Those who used injectable testosterone within a year of ACL reconstruction needed their reconstruction revised far more often [3]. Testosterone users also faced a higher risk of complications after distal biceps tendon repair at the elbow [4].

For joints, one study found that higher levels of usable testosterone in the blood are linked to wear-and-tear arthritis [5]. For general health, both low testosterone and anabolic steroid use seem to harm the musculoskeletal system, the muscles, tendons, bones and joints working together [6].

The picture is not all negative. Four randomised trials, the strongest kind of study, found that testosterone given around the time of surgery improved recovery measures, body composition and bone density in orthopaedic surgery [7]. For rotator cuff repair in the shoulder, one study found no increase in short-term complications in people on testosterone replacement [8], and another concluded that stopping it beforehand should be decided case by case [9]. For pectoralis major rupture, continuing steroids during recovery did not seem to harm how well the muscle recovered [10].

So the honest summary is this. These hormones are linked to higher rates of some tendon injuries and some surgical complications. There is also some evidence of benefit in specific surgical settings. Much of this research is observational, meaning it tracks people over time rather than testing a treatment directly, so it cannot prove cause and effect. What it can do is help you and your doctor weigh your own risks before surgery.

What are the risks?

The risks depend on which of these drugs you use and why. If you take prescription testosterone, research links it to injuries in several tendons, including the quadriceps tendon at the front of the knee, the biceps tendon at the elbow and the rotator cuff in the shoulder [1] [2] [3]. Men on testosterone therapy face a higher risk of tendon rupture than women on the same treatment [4]. People who take SARMs often take far more than the low doses used in studies, and that raises the chance of tendon damage, liver injury and problems with the heart or blood vessels [5] [6].

There are risks around surgery too. If you are on testosterone and need a shoulder replacement, studies show a higher rate of repeat operations, including for infection [7] [8]. After distal biceps tendon repair, people on testosterone therapy have a higher rate of complications [9]. For ACL reconstruction in the knee, using injectable testosterone within a year of surgery was linked to a 3.3-fold increase in the rate of needing the reconstruction redone [10]. Whether you should pause testosterone before a rotator cuff repair is a case-by-case decision [11].

Some findings cut the other way. One study found no increase in short-term complications after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair in people on testosterone replacement [12]. Continuing anabolic steroids during recovery from a pectoralis major rupture did not seem to harm how well the muscle recovered [13]. And four randomised trials found that testosterone given around the time of surgery improved recovery measures, body composition and bone density [14].

Two honest gaps remain. Research on whether testosterone therapy raises the risk of stroke in young adults is limited and underexplored [15]. And for joint health, the relationship between testosterone levels and wear-and-tear arthritis is not a straight line, so both too much and too little may matter [16] [17]. If you use any of these hormones, tell your doctor before your operation. Your hormone history changes how your risks are assessed.

Is it right for you?

Whether these hormones suit you depends on why you would take them. If your body no longer makes enough testosterone, prescribed therapy can help. Four randomised trials, the strongest kind of study, found that testosterone given around the time of surgery improved recovery measures, body composition and bone density [1]. But the same treatment is linked to some tendon injuries and some surgical complications, as the sections above explain. So the decision is not one-sided.

If you already have healthy testosterone levels and want these drugs to build muscle, the evidence points the other way. People who take SARMs often take far more than the low doses used in studies, which raises the chance of tendon damage, liver injury and problems with the heart or blood vessels [2]. Anabolic steroid use and low testosterone both seem to harm the muscles, tendons, bones and joints working together [3]. There is also a middle ground: one study found that both too much and too little testosterone may affect your joints, so keeping levels in a healthy range seems to matter [4].

This should be a shared decision with your doctor. Bring your full hormone history to the conversation, including any testosterone therapy, steroid use or SARM use, past or present. Your doctor can assess your own risk profile and weigh the benefits against the risks for you [5]. If surgery is planned, tell your surgical team about your hormone use beforehand, because it changes how your risks are checked and managed [6].

The bottom line

If your body needs prescribed testosterone, it can be worth taking, and four randomised trials found it improved recovery measures, body composition and bone density around surgery [1]. But expect a real conversation about tendons first, because the same therapy is linked to injuries in the knee, elbow and shoulder, and to higher complication rates after some tendon repairs [2] [3]. The single most important caveat: if you use testosterone, anabolic steroids or SARMs, tell your doctor before any operation, because your hormone history changes how your risks are checked and managed [3]. If you do not have a hormone deficiency and want these drugs for muscle, the evidence points against it [4] [5].

Reviewed by Kieran Hirpara · 13 June 2026.

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References
  1. Testosterone Therapy Is Associated With Increased Odds of Quadriceps Tendon Injury. *Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research*. 2023. 10.1097/corr.0000000000002744
  2. The Relationship Between Testosterone Therapy and Rotator Cuff Tears, Repairs, and Revision Repairs. *Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons*. 2023. 10.5435/jaaos-d-22-00554
  3. The use of prescription testosterone is associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing a distal biceps tendon injury and subsequently requiring surgical repair. *Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery*. 2023. 10.1016/j.jse.2023.02.122
  4. Poster 374: Tendon Tears Among Patients Treated with Exogenous Therapeutic Anabolic Steroids: An Eight Year Retrospective Analysis in a Single Institution. *Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine*. 2024. 10.1177/2325967124s00339
  5. Pectoralis major rupture in body builders: a case series including anabolic steroid use. *BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders*. 2023. 10.1186/s12891-023-06382-1
  6. Ultrastructural analysis of ruptured tendon from anabolic steroid users. *Injury*. 1998. 10.1016/s0020-1383(98)00183-1
  7. Testosterone. *JBJS Reviews*. 2024. 10.2106/jbjs.rvw.24.00061
  8. Prescription Testosterone Is Associated With an Increased Risk of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury. *Arthroscopy*. 2024. 10.1016/j.arthro.2024.10.032
  9. Injectable Testosterone Replacement Therapy Within 1 Year Before ACL Reconstruction Is Associated With Increased Revision Rates. *Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine*. 2026. 10.1177/23259671251399845
  10. Paper 30. Comparative Outcomes of Distal Biceps Tendon Repair in Patients With and Without Testosterone Therapy. *Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine*. 2026. 10.1177/2325967126s00288
  11. The causal impact of bioavailable testosterone levels on osteoarthritis: a bidirectional Mendelian randomized study. *BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders*. 2025. 10.1186/s12891-025-08626-8
  12. Perioperative Testosterone Supplementation Improves Outcomes of Orthopaedic Surgeries: A Systematic Review of Heterogeneous Studies. *Arthroscopy*. 2024. 10.1016/j.arthro.2024.12.026
  13. Association of preoperative testosterone replacement therapy with postoperative complications following rotator cuff repair. *Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery*. 2026. 10.1016/j.jse.2025.12.013
  14. Preoperative testosterone replacement therapy: a potential risk-factor for complications and reoperation after rotator cuff repair. *JSES International*. 2026. 10.1016/j.jseint.2025.10.002
  15. Testosterone Therapy and Associated Rates of Tendon Tear and Surgical Repair: A Retrospective Analysis. *Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine*. 2026. 10.1177/23259671261430731
  16. Poster 390: Systematic Review of SARMs Abuse in Athletes. *Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine*. 2023. 10.1177/2325967123s00352
  17. Athlete Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators Abuse: A Systematic Review. *The American Journal of Sports Medicine*. 2025. 10.1177/03635465241252435
  18. Poster 149: Supplemental Testosterone Increases Risk of Reoperation after Total Shoulder Arthroplasty. *Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine*. 2024. 10.1177/2325967124s00118
  19. Prescription testosterone is associated with increased risk of infection-related and all-cause reoperations after primary total shoulder arthroplasty in male patients. *JSES International*. 2026. 10.1016/j.jseint.2026.101634
  20. Testosterone supplementation and stroke in young adults: a review of the literature. *Frontiers in Neurology*. 2024. 10.3389/fneur.2024.1422931
  21. Correlation between low testosterone levels and the risk of osteoarthritis: a cross-sectional analysis of NHANES data (2011–2016). *BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders*. 2025. 10.1186/s12891-024-08272-6
  22. Editorial Commentary:
Evidence & references

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview

  • Testosterone replacement therapy is associated with increased odds of surgically treated tendon rupture [1].
  • Anabolic steroids did not induce ultrastructural collagen changes that might predispose to tendon rupture in humans [2].
  • Testosterone users had a 2.9-fold increased risk of tendon rupture compared to nonusers [3].
  • It is premature to imply causation between testosterone replacement therapy and ACL injuries based solely on existing results due to confounding variables [4].
  • Exogenous testosterone is a risk factor for increased postoperative complications following distal biceps tendon repair [5].
  • There is a threshold-dependent relationship between testosterone and shoulder pathology [6].
  • Patients with prior prescription testosterone exposure have an increased rate of distal biceps tendon injury and biceps tendon repair compared with patients without such exposure [7].
  • Surgeons should be more intentional about discussing endocrinologic history with patients and counseling those with testosterone deficiency on the risks for injury or re-injury [8].
  • TRT is associated with increased tendon rupture risk in men but not women, potentially due to sex-specific differences in dosing [9].
  • Patients who filled a prescription for testosterone replacement therapy were much more likely to experience a quadriceps muscle or tendon injury within 1 year of filling their prescription and were at increased risk of undergoing surgical repair of the quadriceps tendon [10].
  • SARM use is associated with tendon damage [11].
  • Cessation of TRT prior to rotator cuff repair should be considered on a patient-specific basis [12].

How It Works

  • Further research is needed to understand the mechanism by how testosterone increases the risk of reoperation after TSA [13].
  • Anabolic steroids use may contribute to pectoralis major injury [14].
  • Continuation of anabolic steroids during recovery does not seem to have a negative effect on functional recovery after pectoralis major injury [14].
  • Testosterone use is associated with a higher risk of both infection-related and all-cause reoperations after total shoulder arthroplasty [15].

What the Evidence Shows

Tendon Rupture Risk and Injury Association

  • Patients who filled a prescription for testosterone replacement therapy were much more likely to experience a quadriceps muscle or tendon injury within 1 year of filling their prescription [10].
  • Patients who filled a prescription for testosterone replacement therapy were at increased risk of undergoing surgical repair of the quadriceps tendon [10].
  • There is increased risk of rotator cuff tears in patients prescribed testosterone [16].
  • There is increased risk of rotator cuff repairs in patients prescribed testosterone [16].
  • There is increased risk of subsequent rotator cuff repairs in patients prescribed testosterone [16].
  • TRT is associated with increased tendon rupture risk in men but not women [9].
  • The association between TRT and increased tendon rupture risk in men but not women is potentially due to sex-specific differences in dosing [9].

Postoperative Complications and Reoperation

  • Testosterone use is associated with a higher risk of infection-related reoperations after total shoulder arthroplasty [15].
  • Testosterone use is associated with a higher risk of all-cause reoperations after total shoulder arthroplasty [15].
  • Supplemental testosterone increases the risk of reoperation after total shoulder arthroplasty [13].
  • Preoperative testosterone replacement therapy is a potential risk factor for complications after rotator cuff repair [12].
  • Preoperative testosterone replacement therapy is a potential risk factor for reoperation after rotator cuff repair [12].

Mechanisms and Ultrastructure

Clinical Considerations and Causation

  • Clinicians should remain vigilant and prescribe TRT judiciously with a thorough assessment of each patient's unique risk profile [4].
  • Surgeons should be more intentional about discussing endocrinologic history with patients [8].
  • Surgeons should counsel patients with testosterone deficiency on the risks for injury or re-injury [8].
  • Further research is needed to understand the mechanism by which testosterone increases the risk of reoperation after total shoulder arthroplasty [13].
  • Hormonal status should be considered in musculoskeletal risk assessment [6].

Practical Considerations

Risk Assessment and Counseling

  • A threshold-dependent relationship exists between testosterone and shoulder pathology, highlighting the need to consider hormonal status in musculoskeletal risk assessment [6].

Operative Considerations

Anabolic Steroids and SARMs

  • SARM use is associated with increased muscle mass, hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, tendon damage, and androgenic side effects throughout the body [11].
  • Anabolic steroids use may contribute to pectoralis major injury in body builders [14].
  • Continuation of anabolic steroids during recovery from pectoralis major injury does not seem to have a negative effect on functional recovery [14].

Key Evidence

  • [L3] Testosterone replacement therapy is associated with increased odds of surgically treated tendon rupture. [1] (10.1177/2325967125s00009)
  • [L4] The authors conclude that anabolic steroids did not induce ultrastructural collagen changes that might predispose to tendon rupture in humans. [2] (10.1016/s0020-1383(98)00183-1)
  • [L3] Testosterone users had a 2.9-fold increased risk of tendon rupture compared to nonusers. [3] (10.1177/2325967124s00339)
  • [L5] It is premature to imply causation between testosterone replacement therapy and ACL injuries based solely on existing results due to confounding variables; clinicians should remain vigilant and prescribe TRT judiciously with a thorough assessment of each patient's unique risk profile. [4] (10.1016/j.arthro.2024.11.086)
  • [L3] These findings suggest that exogenous testosterone is a risk factor for increased postoperative complications following distal biceps tendon repair. [5] (10.1177/2325967126s00288)
  • [L3] These findings suggest a threshold-dependent relationship between testosterone and shoulder pathology and highlight the need to consider hormonal status in musculoskeletal risk assessment. [6] (10.1016/j.jse.2026.01.012)
  • [L3] Patients with prior prescription testosterone exposure have an increased rate of distal biceps tendon injury and biceps tendon repair compared with patients without such exposure. [7] (10.1016/j.jse.2023.02.122)
  • [L5] The author advises surgeons to be more intentional about discussing endocrinologic history with patients and counseling those with testosterone deficiency on the risks for injury or re-injury. [8] (10.1097/corr.0000000000002835)
  • [L3] TRT is associated with increased tendon rupture risk in men but not women, potentially due to sex-specific differences in dosing. [9] (10.1177/23259671261430731)
  • [L3] Patients who filled a prescription for testosterone replacement therapy were much more likely to experience a quadriceps muscle or tendon injury within 1 year of filling their prescription and were at increased risk of undergoing surgical repair of the quadriceps tendon. [10] (10.1097/corr.0000000000002744)
  • [L4] SARM use is associated with increased muscle mass, hepatotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, tendon damage, and androgenic side effects throughout the body. [11] (10.1177/03635465241252435)
  • [L3] Cessation of TRT prior to rotator cuff repair should be considered on a patient-specific basis. [12] (10.1016/j.jseint.2025.10.002)
  • [L3] Further research is needed to understand the mechanism by how testosterone increases the risk of reoperation after TSA. [13] (10.1177/2325967124s00118)
  • [L4] Anabolic steroids use may contribute to the injury, but continuation during recovery does not seem to have a negative effect on functional recovery. [14] (10.1186/s12891-023-06382-1)
  • [L2] Testosterone use is associated with a higher risk of both infection-related and all-cause reoperations after total shoulder arthroplasty. [15] (10.1016/j.jseint.2026.101634)
  • [L3] There is increased risk of RCTs, RCRs, and subsequent RCRs in patients prescribed testosterone. [16] (10.5435/jaaos-d-22-00554)

References

[1] Testosterone Replacement Therapy Increases Odds of Tendon Ruptures Treated Surgically. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2025. DOI: 10.1177/2325967125s00009

[2] Ultrastructural analysis of ruptured tendon from anabolic steroid users. Injury. 1998. DOI: 10.1016/s0020-1383(98)00183-1

[3] Poster 374: Tendon Tears Among Patients Treated with Exogenous Therapeutic Anabolic Steroids: An Eight Year Retrospective Analysis in a Single Institution. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2024. DOI: 10.1177/2325967124s00339

[4] Editorial Commentary: Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Risk: Insights and Cautions for Clinical Application. Arthroscopy. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.arthro.2024.11.086

[5] Paper 30. Comparative Outcomes of Distal Biceps Tendon Repair in Patients With and Without Testosterone Therapy. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/2325967126s00288

[6] Testosterone levels and risk of adhesive capsulitis: a 1:1 propensity matched analysis. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2026.01.012

[7] The use of prescription testosterone is associated with an increased likelihood of experiencing a distal biceps tendon injury and subsequently requiring surgical repair. Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery. 2023. DOI: 10.1016/j.jse.2023.02.122

[8] CORR Insights®: Testosterone Therapy Is Associated With Increased Odds of Quadriceps Tendon Injury. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2023. DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000002835

[9] Testosterone Therapy and Associated Rates of Tendon Tear and Surgical Repair: A Retrospective Analysis. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2026. DOI: 10.1177/23259671261430731

[10] Testosterone Therapy Is Associated With Increased Odds of Quadriceps Tendon Injury. Clinical Orthopaedics & Related Research. 2023. DOI: 10.1097/corr.0000000000002744

[11] Athlete Selective Androgen Receptor Modulators Abuse: A Systematic Review. The American Journal of Sports Medicine. 2025. DOI: 10.1177/03635465241252435

[12] Preoperative testosterone replacement therapy: a potential risk-factor for complications and reoperation after rotator cuff repair. JSES International. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2025.10.002

[13] Poster 149: Supplemental Testosterone Increases Risk of Reoperation after Total Shoulder Arthroplasty. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine. 2024. DOI: 10.1177/2325967124s00118

[14] Pectoralis major rupture in body builders: a case series including anabolic steroid use. BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. 2023. DOI: 10.1186/s12891-023-06382-1

[15] Prescription testosterone is associated with increased risk of infection-related and all-cause reoperations after primary total shoulder arthroplasty in male patients. JSES International. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jseint.2026.101634

[16] The Relationship Between Testosterone Therapy and Rotator Cuff Tears, Repairs, and Revision Repairs. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2023. DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-22-00554

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b. if You include all or a substantial portion of the database contents in a database in which You have Sui Generis Database Rights, then the database in which You have Sui Generis Database Rights (but not its individual contents) is Adapted Material; and

c. You must comply with the conditions in Section 3(a) if You Share all or a substantial portion of the contents of the database.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 4 supplements and does not replace Your obligations under this Public License where the Licensed Rights include other Copyright and Similar Rights.

Section 5 -- Disclaimer of Warranties and Limitation of Liability.

a. UNLESS OTHERWISE SEPARATELY UNDERTAKEN BY THE LICENSOR, TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, THE LICENSOR OFFERS THE LICENSED MATERIAL AS-IS AND AS-AVAILABLE, AND MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND CONCERNING THE LICENSED MATERIAL, WHETHER EXPRESS, IMPLIED, STATUTORY, OR OTHER. THIS INCLUDES, WITHOUT LIMITATION, WARRANTIES OF TITLE, MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, NON-INFRINGEMENT, ABSENCE OF LATENT OR OTHER DEFECTS, ACCURACY, OR THE PRESENCE OR ABSENCE OF ERRORS, WHETHER OR NOT KNOWN OR DISCOVERABLE. WHERE DISCLAIMERS OF WARRANTIES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN FULL OR IN PART, THIS DISCLAIMER MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

b. TO THE EXTENT POSSIBLE, IN NO EVENT WILL THE LICENSOR BE LIABLE TO YOU ON ANY LEGAL THEORY (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION, NEGLIGENCE) OR OTHERWISE FOR ANY DIRECT, SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, EXEMPLARY, OR OTHER LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES ARISING OUT OF THIS PUBLIC LICENSE OR USE OF THE LICENSED MATERIAL, EVEN IF THE LICENSOR HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH LOSSES, COSTS, EXPENSES, OR DAMAGES. WHERE A LIMITATION OF LIABILITY IS NOT ALLOWED IN FULL OR IN PART, THIS LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.

c. The disclaimer of warranties and limitation of liability provided above shall be interpreted in a manner that, to the extent possible, most closely approximates an absolute disclaimer and waiver of all liability.

Section 6 -- Term and Termination.

a. This Public License applies for the term of the Copyright and Similar Rights licensed here. However, if You fail to comply with this Public License, then Your rights under this Public License terminate automatically.

b. Where Your right to use the Licensed Material has terminated under Section 6(a), it reinstates:

1. automatically as of the date the violation is cured, provided it is cured within 30 days of Your discovery of the violation; or

2. upon express reinstatement by the Licensor.

For the avoidance of doubt, this Section 6(b) does not affect any right the Licensor may have to seek remedies for Your violations of this Public License.

c. For the avoidance of doubt, the Licensor may also offer the Licensed Material under separate terms or conditions or stop distributing the Licensed Material at any time; however, doing so will not terminate this Public License.

d. Sections 1, 5, 6, 7, and 8 survive termination of this Public License.

Section 7 -- Other Terms and Conditions.

a. The Licensor shall not be bound by any additional or different terms or conditions communicated by You unless expressly agreed.

b. Any arrangements, understandings, or agreements regarding the Licensed Material not stated herein are separate from and independent of the terms and conditions of this Public License.

Section 8 -- Interpretation.

a. For the avoidance of doubt, this Public License does not, and shall not be interpreted to, reduce, limit, restrict, or impose conditions on any use of the Licensed Material that could lawfully be made without permission under this Public License.

b. To the extent possible, if any provision of this Public License is deemed unenforceable, it shall be automatically reformed to the minimum extent necessary to make it enforceable. If the provision cannot be reformed, it shall be severed from this Public License without affecting the enforceability of the remaining terms and conditions.

c. No term or condition of this Public License will be waived and no failure to comply consented to unless expressly agreed to by the Licensor.

d. Nothing in this Public License constitutes or may be interpreted as a limitation upon, or waiver of, any privileges and immunities that apply to the Licensor or You, including from the legal processes of any jurisdiction or authority.

Creative Commons is not a party to its public licenses. Notwithstanding, Creative Commons may elect to apply one of its public licenses to material it publishes and in those instances will be considered the “Licensor.” The text of the Creative Commons public licenses is dedicated to the public domain under the CC0 Public Domain Dedication. Except for the limited purpose of indicating that material is shared under a Creative Commons public license or as otherwise permitted by the Creative Commons policies published at creativecommons.org/policies, Creative Commons does not authorize the use of the trademark "Creative Commons" or any other trademark or logo of Creative Commons without its prior written consent including, without limitation, in connection with any unauthorized modifications to any of its public licenses or any other arrangements, understandings, or agreements concerning use of licensed material. For the avoidance of doubt, this paragraph does not form part of the public licenses.

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