Biphasic poroviscoelastic characteristics of proteoglycan-depleted articular cartilage: simulation of degeneration.

This study investigated the biphasic poroviscoelastic properties of normal and proteoglycan-depleted articular cartilage to validate this model for use in the diagnosis of degenerated cartilage. A normal control group, a buffer-treated control group, and a trypsin-treated proteoglycan-depleted experimental group were investigated. Water content and glycosaminoglycan concentration were measured for each group in order to assess the affects of buffer treatment and trypsin treatment on normal articular cartilage.