Comparison of site-specific tensile, compressive, and friction properties of human tibiofemoral joint cartilage and their relationship to degeneration.

Site-specific differences in the compressive properties of tibiofemoral joint articular cartilage are well-documented, while exploration of tensile and frictional properties in humans remains limited. Thus, this study aimed to characterize and compare the tensile, compressive and frictional properties of articular cartilage across different sites of the tibiofemoral joint, and to establish relationships between these properties and cartilage degeneration. We cut human tibiofemoral joint (N = 5) cartilage surfaces into tensile testing samples (n = 155) and osteochondral plugs (n = 40) to determine the tensile, friction and compressive properties, as well as OARSI grades.

Revealing Detailed Cartilage Function Through Nanoparticle Diffusion Imaging: A Computed Tomography & Finite Element Study.

The ability of articular cartilage to withstand significant mechanical stresses during activities, such as walking or running, relies on its distinctive structure. Integrating detailed tissue properties into subject-specific biomechanical models is challenging due to the complexity of analyzing these characteristics. This limitation compromises the accuracy of models in replicating cartilage function and impacts predictive capabilities.

Cationic tantalum oxide nanoparticle contrast agent for micro computed tomography reveals articular cartilage proteoglycan distribution and collagen architecture alterations.

Objective: Cationic tantalum oxide nanoparticles (TaO-cNPs), as a newly introduced contrast agent for computed tomography of cartilage, offer quantitative evaluation of proteoglycan (PG) content and biomechanical properties. However, knowledge on the depth-wise impact of cartilage constituents on nanoparticle diffusion, particularly the influence of the collagen network, is lacking. In this study, we aim to establish the depth-dependent relationship between TaO-cNP diffusion and cartilage constituents (PG content, collagen content and network architecture).

Composition, architecture and biomechanical properties of articular cartilage in differently loaded areas of the equine stifle.

Background: Strategies for articular cartilage repair need to take into account topographical differences in tissue composition and architecture to achieve durable functional outcome. These have not yet been investigated in the equine stifle.

Objectives: To analyse the biochemical composition and architecture of three differently loaded areas of the equine stifle.