The altered biomechanical state of human femoral head osteoarthritic articular cartilage.

In this study, the biomechanical characteristics of normal and osteoarthritic human femoral head articular cartilage are compared using both microcompression and notch propagation techniques, combined with simultaneous differential interference contrast microscopy. The latter permits examination of the process of matrix rupture occurring in a controlled manner at the notch root. The results provide new biomechanical insights into the differences between normal and osteoarthritic cartilage and draw particular attention to some areas of fundamental structural breakdown associated with the loss of load-bearing function in this tissue.