OBJECTIVE: Improved staging of cartilage degeneration is required, particularly during the early stages. We correlated mechanical properties with histological and macroscopic findings. METHODS: One hundred and twenty cartilage samples were obtained during total knee arthroplasty. Two adjacent plugs were harvested--one for histological classification and one for macroscopic and biomechanical purposes. Dynamic impact testing was performed; normal stress, dissipated energy (∆E), tangent modulus and stiffness were evaluated. RESULTS: Samples were classified according to six categories of the ICRS histological scale. Mechanical characteristics revealing significant differences between the groups (p < 0.01) were specific damping and related absolute ∆E. A significant correlation was found between the macroscopic score and specific damping, as well as absolute and relative ∆E (p < 0.01). A strong relation was revealed between relative ∆E and cartilage thickness (p < 0.001; R (2) = 0.69). CONCLUSIONS: Only ∆E correlated with the condition of the cartilage--the value increased with decreasing quality-and is the most suitable characteristic. This change appears substantial in initial stages of cartilage deterioration.
OBJECTIVE: Improved staging of cartilage degeneration is required, particularly during the early stages. We correlated mechanical properties with histological and macroscopic findings. METHODS: One hundred and twenty cartilage samples were obtained during total knee arthroplasty. Two adjacent plugs were harvested--one for histological classification and one for macroscopic and biomechanical purposes. Dynamic impact testing was performed; normal stress, dissipated energy (∆E), tangent modulus and stiffness were evaluated. RESULTS: Samples were classified according to six categories of the ICRS histological scale. Mechanical characteristics revealing significant differences between the groups (p < 0.01) were specific damping and related absolute ∆E. A significant correlation was found between the macroscopic score and specific damping, as well as absolute and relative ∆E (p < 0.01). A strong relation was revealed between relative ∆E and cartilage thickness (p < 0.001; R (2) = 0.69). CONCLUSIONS: Only ∆E correlated with the condition of the cartilage--the value increased with decreasing quality-and is the most suitable characteristic. This change appears substantial in initial stages of cartilage deterioration.
Authors: Allan A Young; Richard C Appleyard; Margaret M Smith; James Melrose; Christopher B Little Journal: Clin Orthop Relat Res Date: 2007-09 Impact factor: 4.176
Authors: F Varga; M Drzík; M Handl; J Chlpík; P Kos; E Filová; M Rampichová; A Necas; T Trc; E Amler Journal: Physiol Res Date: 2007-05-31 Impact factor: 1.881
Authors: Rajesh Kumar; David M Pierce; Vidar Isaksen; Catharina de Lange Davies; Jon O Drogset; Magnus B Lilledahl Journal: Int J Mol Sci Date: 2018-01-31 Impact factor: 5.923