The mechanical properties of porcine tibial plateau (TP) cartilage are shown to vary topographically. Low Elastic moduli (Em) were found in the positions where unicompartimental knee osteoarthritis (OA) lesions are typically expected to develop. These results suggest that there is a different response to load in these areas. OA is one of the ten most disabling diseases in developed countries. OA of the knee, in particular, is a major cause of mobility impairment; up to 40% of the population over the age of 70 suffers from OA of the knee. It has been observed that unicompartmental knee OA occurs with very distinct and repeatable lesion patterns. It is hypothesised that these patterns are the result of differences in the material properties throughout articular cartilage. The aim of this study was to measure the mechanical properties of porcine cartilage in a whole undamaged TP.Summary
Introduction
