Highly crosslinked, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (HXLPE) acetabular liners inherently have a risk of fatigue failure associated with femoral neck impingement. One of the potential reasons for liner failure was reported as crosslinking formulations of polyethylene, increasing the brittleness and structural rigidity. In addition, the acetabular component designs greatly affect the mechanical loading scenario, such as the offset (lateralized) liners with protruded rim above the metal shells, which commonly induce a weak resistance to rim impingement. The purpose of the present study was to compare the influence of the liner offset length on the impingement resistance in the annealed (first generation) and vitamin E-blended (second-generation) HXLPE liners with a commercial design. The materials tested were the 95-kGy irradiated annealed GUR1020, and the 300-kGy irradiated vitamin E-blended GUR1050 HXLPE offset liners, which were referred to as “20_95” and “50E_300”, respectively. These liners had 2, 3, 4-mm rim offset, 2.45-mm rim thickness, and 36-mm internal diameter. Their rims were protruded above the metal rim at 2, 3, 4mm. Rim impingement testing was performed using an electrodynamic axial-torsional machine. The cyclic impingement load of 25–250N was applied on the rims through the necks of the femoral stems at 1Hz. The rotational torque was simultaneously generated by swinging the stem necks on the rims at 1Hz and its rotational angle was set at the range of 0–10˚. The percent crystallinity was analyzed on the as-received (intact) and impinged HXLPE acetabular rims by confocal Raman microspectroscopy.Introduction
Materials and Methods
To obtain appropriate joint gap and soft tissue balance, and to correct the lower limb alignment are important factor to achieve success of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A variety of computer-assisted navigation systems have been developed to implant the component accurately during TKA. Although, the effects of the navigation system on the joint gap and soft tissue balance are unclear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the influence of accelerometer-based portable navigation system on the intraoperative joint gap and soft tissue balance. Between March 2014 and March 2015, 36 consecutive primary TKAs were performed using a mobile-bearing posterior stabilized (PS) TKA (Vanguard RP; Biomet) for varus osteoarthritis. Of the 36 knees, 26 knees using the accelerometer-based portable computer navigation system (KneeAlign2; OrthAlign) (N group), and 10 knees using conventional alignment guide (femur side; intramedullary rod, tibia side; extramedullary guide) (C group). The intraoperative joint gap and soft tissue balance were measured using tensor device throughout a full range of motion (0°, 30°, 45°, 60°, 90°, 120°and full flexion) at 120N of distraction force. The postoperative component coronal alignment was measured with standing anteroposterior hip-to-ankle radiographs.INTRODUCTION
METHODS
In total hip arthroplasty (THA), polyethylene (PE) liner oxidation leads to material degradation and increased wear, with many strategies targeting its delay or prevention. However, the effect of femoral head material composition on PE degradation for ceramic-PE articulation is yet unknown. Therefore, using two different ceramic materials, we compared PE surface alterations occurring during a series of standard ceramic-PE articulation tests. Ceramic-PE THA bearings were tested in a simulator, using ASTM F2003-02, ASTM F1714-96 (2013) and ISO 14242:1–3 standards. Acetabular liners (Apex-Link PolyTM, OMNI Life Science, East Taunton, MA, USA) were articulated against Ø28 mm Si3N4 femoral heads (Amedica Corp., Salt Lake City, UT, USA). For comparison, ArCom® PE liners (Biomet Inc. Warsaw, IN, USA) were also tested against Ø28 mm zirconia-toughened alumina (ZTA) femoral heads (BIOLOX®Introduction
Materials and Method
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has achieved excellent clinical outcomes and functional performances. However, there is a need for greater implant longevity and higher flexion by younger and Asian patients. We determined the relationship between mobility and stability of TKA product because they are essential for much further functional upgrading. This research evaluated the geometry characteristics of femorotibial surfaces quantitatively by measuring their force of constraint by computer simulation and mechanical test. We measured the force of constraint of femorotibial surfaces in order to evaluate the property of femorotibial surfaces. A total knee system was used for this evaluation, and has an asymmetrical joint surface, which restores the anatomical jointline in both sagittal and coronal planes, and is expected to permit normal kinematics, with cruciate-retaining fixed type. We performed computer simulation using finite element analyses (FEA) and mechanical tests using knee simulator to measure the force of constraint regarding anterior-posterior (AP) and internal-external (IE) rotational direction in extension position, 90-degree flexion and a maximum flexion of 140-degree. In the FEA, Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio were set to 213 GPa and 0.3 for Co-Cr-Mo alloy as the femoral component, and 1 GPa and 0.3 for UHMWPe as the tibial insert, respectively. The force load to AP direction of tibial tray was measured when the femoral component moved plus or minus 10 millimeters. The moment load to IE rotational direction of tibial tray was measured when the femoral component moved plus or minus 20 degrees. The vertical load of 710 N was loaded on the femoral component during these measurements.Introduction
Methods
The concept of anatomical stam is fit-and-fill in the proximity of the femur and to expect wall fixation, following to reduce thigh pain and stress shielding. Although the femoral medullary form and size are different in each races. CentPillar TMZF stem (stryker ®) is anatomical stem designed based on computer-tomography of Japanese femurs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate clinical and radiographic outcomes of CentPillar TMZF stem at a mean of 3.6 years postoperatively. We asseses the results of 98 primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed using a CentPillar TMZF stem in 91 Japanese patients (4 males, 94 females) undergoing surgery between August 2007 and June 2011, the mean age at the time of surgery was 62.0 (41–81) years old. The Diagnosis were osteoarthritis (OA) in 91 hips, rapidly destructive coxopathy (RDC) in 4 hips, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 3 hips. Clinical and radiographic assessments were performed for every patient for every follow up using Japan Orthopaedic Association (JOA) Score, thigh pain, revision surgery and complications. Radiographic assessments were including stem alignment on anteroposterior radiograph, stress shielding, bone remodeling, radiolucent line, osteolysis, loosening and subsidence.INTRODUCTION
METHODS
Recently, computer-aided orthopaedic surgery has enabled three dimensional (3D) preoperative planning, navigation systems and patient matched instrument, and they provide good clinical results in total knee arthroplasty. However, the preoperative planning methods and the criteria in total elbow arthroplasty (TEA) still have not sufficiently established due to the uncertainty of 3D anatomical geometry of the elbow joints. In order to clarify the 3D anatomical geometry, this study measured 3D bone models of the normal elbow joints. Additionally this study attempted to apply the 3D preoperative planning to ordinary surgery. Then the postoperative position of implant has evaluated as compared with the position in 3D preoperative planning. Three dimensional bone measurements on 4 normal cases were performed. Three dimensional bone models were constructed with CT image using Bone Viewer®(ORTHREE Co., Ltd.). TEA was performed with FINE® Total Elbow System (Nakashima Medical Co., Ltd.) for 3 rheumatoid arthritis (RA) cases (Fig. 1). Three dimensional preoperative planning was based on this bone measurement, and postoperative position of implant were evaluated. The postoperative assessments were evaluated by superimposing preoperative planning image on postoperative CT image using Bone Simulator® (ORTHREE Co., Ltd.). This study only covers humeral part.Introduction
Methods
Factors determining improvement of the long-term outcome of total knee arthroplasty include accurate reproduction of lower limb alignment. To acquire appropriate lower limb alignment, tibial component rotation is an important element for outcomes. We usually determine the tibial component rotation using the anatomical rotaional landmark of the proximal tibia and range of motion technique. In addition we followed by confirmation of overall lower limb alignment referring to the distal tibial index. When the tibia have a rotational mismatch between its proximal and distal AP axis, a larger error of the distal tibial index than those of other rotational landmark is of concern. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the reliability of the distal tibial AP axis as a reference axis of tibial compornent rotation in the intraoperative setting. The 86 patients (104 knees) with osteoarthritis of the knee who underwent primary TKA were evaluated with use of computerized tomography scans. A 3D images of the proximal tibial and ankle joint surfaces and foot were prepared, and the reference axis was set. In measurement, the images and reference axes were projected on the same plane. We measured the angle caluculated by the proximal and distal tibial AP axes (torsion angle) in preoperative 3D CT images. As a proximal tibial AP reference axis, AP-1 is a line connecting the medial margin of the tibial tubercle and Middle of the PCL attachment site and AP-2 is a line connecting the 1/3 medial site of the tibial tubercle and center of the PCL attachment site. As a distal tibial AP reference axis, D3 is a line connecting the anteroposterior middle point of the talus, D4 is a perpendicular line of transmalleoler axes, and D5 is the second metatarsal bone axis.[Background]
[Subjects and Methods]
In most cases of revision acetabular total hip arthoplasty (THA), some degree of bone loss will be accompanied. If the bone loss is massive, the management of bone defect is more challenging problem. We consider that using cementless accetabular cup for revision acetabular reconstruction is good indication when stable interface fit between the acetabular cup and bone is achieved. The purpose of this study is to review the result of revision hip arthroplasty using cementless acetabular cup with and without bone graft. Between 1998 and 2012, 65 revisions using cementless acetabular cup (Mallory-Head 4 Finned component) were performed in 64 patients, whose mean age was 64.9 years. The cases of revision are aseptic loosening (53 joints), and infection (12 joints). All patients were followed up for a minimum period of 24.0 months (mean, 84 months) and were divided into two groups as follows: in group A, revisions without bone graft (28 joints); in group B, revisions with bone graft (37 joints). We compared clinical and radiographical results of group A with group B.Introduction
Materials and methods
The Taperloc Microplasty stem design was based on that of the Taperloc stem with flat tapered wedge and the distal portion of the Taperloc stem was shortened by 35mm. We report the minimum two-year follow up (mean, 26 months) of 68 primary total hip arthroplasty using the Taperloc Microplasty stem. 39 Magnum acetabular cups and 29 M2a Taper acetabular cups were inserted with metal on metal articulation. The series comprised 67 patients (20 men, 47 women) with a mean age at operation of 65 years (31 to 85). The principal diagnosis was osteosrthritis. Their mean JOA Hip Score improved significantly from 36 points preoperatively to 96 points at two-year follow up. Radiological asseement showed good bony stability in all implants. There was one case of post operative anterior dislocation. We did not see intra-operative fracture previously reported for this implant. There were no clinical and radiological complications related to MOM articulation. This short-term follow up study demonstrates that the clinical outcome of the Tapeloc Microplasty stem is comparable with that of standard Taperloc stem and other flat taper wedge stems.
Bipolar hemiarthroplasty (following BHA) have historically had poor results in patients with idiopathic osteonecrosis of femoral head (OFNH). However, most recent report have shown excellent results with new generation BHA designs that incorporate advances in bearing technology. These optimal outcomes with bipolar hemiarthroplasty will be more attractive procedure for young patients who need bone stock for future total arthroplasty. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic finding of this procedure for the treatment of OFNH at our institution after 7-to 21years follow-up. We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 29 patients (40 hips) who underwent primary bipolar hemiarthroplasty for ION (36 hips with stage III and 4 hips with stage IV) with a cementless femoral component between 1992 and 2006. Osteonecrosis was associated with corticosteroid use (23 patients), alcohol (16 patients), idiopathic (one patients). The mean follow-up duration was approximately 12 (range 7 to 21) years. Patients were evaluated according to the Japan Orthopaedic Association (JOA) hip score. We evaluate osteolysis and bone response of acetabulum or femur, and migration distance of outer head were calculated at the latest follow-up. Kaplan-Meier survivorship rate was investigated to examine implant failure rate.[Background]
[Subjects and Methods]
Vitamin-E (VE, dl-α-tocopherol) is a powerful antioxidant for highly cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). It was previously reported that VE-stabilized XLPE succeeded in retaining no measurable oxidation even after accelerated aging tests combined with cyclic loading or lipid absorption. Thus, VE-stabilized XLPE is nowadays recognized worldwide as one of the new standard materials in total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, the effects of such VE addition on physical behavior of polyethylene remain to be fully elucidated by contrast to the clear statement of its chemical role (i.e., the enhanced oxidation resistance) in the published literature. In this presentation, we shall attempt to provide those missing notations and to explore the microstructural and biomechanical role of VE in XLPE acetabular liner on the molecular scale. The two different types of XLPE acetabular liners, VE-blended and VE-free (no VE-blended) component (Introduction
Methods
Metal on metal total hip arthroplasty (MoM THA) provides the potential improvement in articular wear. However, several adverse events including pseudotumor had been reported. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was considered to be the proposal tool for detection of pseudotumor after MoM THA. In this study, we performed the screening of pseudotumor after MoM THA using the MRI. We studied 43 patients with M2a Magnum® (Biomet) and 34 patients with M2a Taper® (Biomet) of MoM THA from December 2009 to December 2011 with follow-up of 2.5 years (2.0–4.0 years) after surgery. MRI assessments were performed at a mean of 2.1 years postoperatively. Pseudotumor findings were graded using Anderson classification (Skeletal Radiol, 2011: 40; 303). Age, sex, height, weight, Harris Hip Score, EQ5D satisfaction score, UCLA activity score, and blood metal ion levels were evaluated. The prevalence of pseudotumor was 27.2%; 56 normal (Type A), 13 mild (C1), 8 moderate (C2) and none were graded severe (C3). Weight and BMI in the mild group was significantly higher than those in normal. There was no significant difference in age, sex and height among these groups. With regard to Harris Hip score, pain and ROM score in moderate group was significantly lower than that in normal and mild group. EQ5D satisfaction score and UCLA activity score showed not significant differences among groups. 3.01±3.32 μg/L of blood cobalt ion levels in the moderate groups was significantly higher than 0.97±0.64 μg/L in normal group. Blood cobalt ion levels of 1 mild and 2 moderate were over the threshold of 7 μg/L. These patients were implanted with M2a Taper, not M2a Magnum. 14% of the prevalence in the patients with M2a Magnum was significantly lower than 41% in the patients with M2a Taper. No revision surgeries were required. The patients with no pseudotumor did not show the increase of blood metal ion. Contrarily, several patients showed the increase of blood metal ion in case of detecting pseudotumor. MRI assessments were useful for screening of pseudotumor after MoM THA and blood metal ion should be investigated for patients with mild and moderate pseudotumor in MoM THA.
Modulus femoral prosthesis is a modular cementless femoral system which consists of 5 degree tapered conical stem made of a titanium alloy with 8 fins of 1mm and modular neck. Modular neck enables to control any ideal stem anteversion as a surgeon prefers. This system is considered to be useful in severe hip deformity, for example developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). In this study, clinical and radiographic outcomes of the Modulus femoral prosthesis were evaluated at a mean of 3.6 (2–6) years postoperatively. We assessed the results of 193 primary total hip arthroplasty using a Modulus femoral prosthesis in 169 patients (15 males, 154 females) undergoing surgery between September 2007 and December 2011. The mean age at the time of surgery was 65.6 (31–86) years old. The diagnoses were osteoarthritis (OA) in 178 hips (including 167 hips of DDH), rapidly destructive coxopathy (RDC) in 6 hips, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 6 hips, osteonecrosis in 2 hips, and subchondral insufficiency fracture in one hip. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Japan Orthopedic Association (JOA) hip scores and complications. Radiographic assessments were including stem alignment, bone on-growth, cortical hypertrophy, stress shielding and stem subsidence. 43.8 points of the preoperative mean JOA score was significantly improved to 93.1 points postoperatively. In one case intraoperative femoral fracture was occurred. One dislocation had occurred and thigh pain was observed in one hip. No revision surgery was required. In 192 hips of 193 hips (99.5%), stem was implanted in neutral position (within ±2 degrees). Bone on-growth was observed in all cases (94.3% in zone 3; 73.1% in zone 5; 30.6% in zone 2; 22.3% in zone 6). Cortical hypertrophy was observed in 66 hips (34.2%) at zone 3 and 5. Reduction of bone density due to stress shielding was observed (1st degree was 58.5%; 2nd degree was 29.5%; 3rd degree was 11.9%; 4th degree was 0%). In 22 cases (11.4%), more than 2mm of stem subsidence was observed, however the subsidence was stopped within 6 months in all cases. Modulus femoral prosthesis showed good clinical results and radiographic findings up to 6 years postoperatively.
Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has achieved excellent clinical outcomes and functional performances. However, younger and Asian patients require even greater implant longevity and higher flexion. It is necessary for much further functional upgrading to design TKA with mobility and stability. Therefore, we determined the relationship between mobility and stability of TKA. We evaluated the force of constraint of femorotibial surfaces in two types of designs in order to measure the property of femorotibial surfaces. The anatomical geometry knee (AGK) has an asymmetrical design, which restores the anatomical jointline in both sagittal and coronal planes, and is expected to permit normal kinematics, with cruciate-retaining fixed type. The functional designed knee (FDK) has a symmetrical design, and enhances concave femorotibial surfaces with cruciate-retaining mobile type. We performed mechanical tests to measure the force of constraint regarding anterior-posterior (AP) and internal-external (IE) rotational direction in extension position, 90-degree flexion and a maximum flexion of 140-degree. The force load to AP direction of tibial tray was measured when the femoral component moved plus or minus 10 millimeters. The moment load to IE rotational direction of tibial tray was measured when the femoral component moved plus or minus 20 degrees. The vertical load of 710N has been loaded on the femoral component during this test.Background:
Methods:
Metal on metal total hip arthroplasty provides the potential improvement in articular wear and the use of large-diameter femoral heads following the prospect for reduction in the risk of dislocation. The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes as well as serum metal ion level between the two different component designs with small and large femoral heads in metal on metal total hip arthroplasty. We studied 39 patients with large head (Magnum®, Biomet; cup size minus 6 mm) and 37 patients with small head (M2a taper®, Biomet; 28 or 32 mm head) of metal on metal total hip arthroplasty between December 2009 to October 2011 with follow-up of 2.1 years (1.0–3.3 years) after surgery. Harris Hip Score, UCLA activity score, EQ-5D, radiographic assessment, and serum cobalt and chromium ion levels were evaluated. Harris Hip Score, UCLA activity score, and EQ-5D were improved after surgery in small and large head groups, however, no significant differences were observed between both groups. Cup inclination was below 50 degree in all prosthesis. No loosening and no osteolysis were observed. Cobalt and chromium ion was not detected before surgery; however, metal ion levels of both groups were increased after surgery in time dependent manner. There was no significant difference between two groups at one year after surgery. One patient in each group showed the increase of cobalt ion level over 7 ppb (15.4 ppb, 12.9 ppb) without any clinical symptom including pain. Cup inclination was 29 degree in both patients and cup anteversion was 38 and 41 degree, respectively. There was no significant difference of ion levels between both groups. No dislocation was observed in large head group while one dislocation occurred in small head group. No patients required the revision surgery. This metal on metal component, especially with large femoral heads, showed the good clinical results at the maximum follow up of 3.3 year after surgery. However, the ion level of two patients increased over 7 ppb and longer follow-up will be needed.
Bi-Metric® cementless primary stem is tapered, rounded conical shaped and coated with plasma spray porous to one-third from the proximal. Fixation is achieved by a press-fit insertion in the Metaphyseal-diaphyseal junction. From 1986 until now, nearly 700 Bi-Metric® stems have been implanted at our hospital. The purpose of this study was to present the clinical and radiological findings including a survival analysis of a consecutive Bi-Metric® stems series followed for over 10 years. 112 primary cementless THAs in 96 patients using the Bi-Metric® femoral tapered stem were available for clinical and radiological evaluation with a minimum follow-up of ten years. Malloy-Head 4-fined acetabular cup was used in all hips. Follow-up was at a mean of 13 years. We applied THA in 84 patients for osteoarthritis, in 6 avascular necrosis for the femoral head and in 6 for rheumatoid arthritis. The mean age of the patients was 59.5 years. Clinically, pain ROM walking and ADL were evaluated according to the Japanese association hip (JOA) score, and complications and survivorship were investigated. Radiographic results were described according to the 7 femoral Gruen zones. Stem fixation in accordance with the method of Engh at al, cancellous condensation, reactive line, osteolysis, stem subsidence, and bone atrophy with stress shielding were examined. Wear was measured according to the method described by Livermore et al., and the effect of the wear on osteolysis was investigated.Introduction
Materials and methods
Regarding TKA, patient specific cutting guides (PSCG), which have the same fitting surface with patient's bones or cartilages and uniquely specify the resection plane by fitting guides with bones, have been developed to assist easy, low cost and accurate surgery. They have already been used clinically in Europe and the USA. However little has been reported on clinical positioning accuracy of PSCG. Generally, the methods of making PSCG can be divided into 3 methods; construct 3D bone models with Magnetic Resonance (MR) images, construct 3D bone models with Computed Tomography (CT) images, and the last is to construct 3D bone models with both MR and CT images. In the present study, PSCG were made based on 3D bone models with CT images, examined the positioning accuracy with fresh-frozen cadavers. Two fresh-frozen cadavers with four knees were scanned by CT. Image processing software for 3D design (Mimics Ver. 14, Marialise Inc.) was used to construct 3D bone model by image thresholding. We designed femoral cutting guides and tibial cutting guides by CAD software (NX 5.0, Siemens PLM Software Co.). CT free navigation system (VectorVision Knee, BrainLab, Inc.) was used to measure positioning error. Average absolute value of positioning error for each PSCG was derived.Introduction
Materials and Methods
Several reports suggest that low-intensity pulsed ultrasound stimulation (LIPUS) facilitates chondrogenesis1). Recently it has been suggested that LIPUS may be transmitted via Integrin: a protein which mediates cellular attachment between cells and extracellular matrix2). In this study, the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) amino acid sequence, which is a ligand of Integrin, was induced to the fibroin substrates by either gene transfer or physical mixing, and the variation of chndrocyte response to LIPUS was evaluated. Three kinds of culture dishes coated with three diffrent fibroin aqueous solutions were prepared: 1 wild-type, 2 transgenic and 3 mixed. The wild-type aqueous solution was prepared from INTRODUCTION
EXPERIMENTAL METHODS
Recently, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) has been generalized as an operation that achieves excellent clinical results. However, younger and Asian patients require even greater implant longevity and functional performance. We hypothesized a novel posterior cruciate-retaining TKA design that restores the anatomical jointline in both sagittal and coronal planes, maintains the femoral posterior condylar offset, and provides low contact stress would provide enhanced patient function with the potential for greater implant longevity. The novel TKA design was created based on geometry determined from anatomic specimens, 3-degree step of femorotibial jointline was incorporated in the TKA design for Asian. The novel TKA has an asymmetrical design between the medial and lateral femoral condyle, the medial femoral condyle designed to be 3 degrees larger than the lateral femoral condyle. It refined using finite element analyses (FEA) to minimize peak contact stresses. The alignment evaluation after TKA was performed using using bidirectional CR and CT images. Femorotibial-angle (FTA), the position of the femoral component relative to the 3D mechanical axis, and the rotational alignment of the femoral component relative to the PC line were evaluated before and after TKA to identify changes in the femoral condylar shape. The kinematic evaluation after TKA was performed using a 3D-to-2D model registration technique. Single-plane fluoroscopic imaging was used to record and quantify the motions of knees during a stair-step activity. The contact points between the tibiofemoral motions and the tibial rotational angle were evaluated.Aims
Methods
Osteoarthritis (OA) can be artificially simulated ex vivo on healthy articular cartilage (AC) samples by use of proteolytic enzymes. In this article we will present preliminary analyses of the physical degradation of AC when subjected to alternating mechanical stresses. Since AC damage due to OA is believed to be mechanically induced, the first step towards the realisation of an improved understanding of degenerative behaviour of AC under physiological loading conditions is to perform ex vivo tests which mimic such conditions at best. Porcine AC was subjected to biochemical stimulation or left as native AC. Biochemical degradation was performed using combinations of trypsin and Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) to induce the loss of proteoglycan and collagen. A comparison of the biochemical and mechanical properties, topography and difference in response to mechanical damage between the digested AC and healthy AC was made using White Light Interferometry (WLI), Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and mechanical testing. The mechanical damage was induced by subjecting AC to shear under physiological and non physiological conditions. The AC was mechanically tested in a Phosphate Buffered Saline (PBS) bath. After mechanical testing, biochemical analysis of the collagen and aggrecan content of the tissue and PBS present in the bath during the mechanical test was performed. Collagen content was determined by measurement of the amount of hydroxyproline (HPRO), and aggrecan content by the amount of glycosaminoglycans (GAG). The mechanical test was either performed on healthy (native) AC or on AC which had first been digested.INTRODUCTION
METHODS