Biomechanics of the Human Osteochondral Unit: A Systematic Review.

ABSTRACT: The damping system ensured by the osteochondral (OC) unit is essential to deploy the forces generated within load-bearing joints during locomotion, allowing furthermore low-friction sliding motion between bone segments. The OC unit is a multi-layer structure including articular cartilage, as well as subchondral and trabecular bone. The interplay between the OC tissues is essential in maintaining the joint functionality; altered loading patterns can trigger biological processes that could lead to degenerative joint diseases like osteoarthritis. Currently, no effective treatments are available to avoid degeneration beyond tissues' recovery capabilities. A thorough comprehension on the mechanical behaviour of the OC unit is essential to (i) soundly elucidate its overall response to intra-arti

SUBMITTER: Berni M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11012636 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature