Effects of increased chronic loading on articular cartilage material properties in the lapine tibio-femoral joint.

ABSTRACT: Methods of producing relevant and quantifiable load alterations in vivo with which to study load-induced cartilage degeneration analogous to osteoarthritis are limited. An animal model was used to investigate the effects of increased chronic loads on articular cartilage. Mature rabbits were randomized into one of three experimentally loaded groups and a fourth unoperated control group. A mechanical-loading device was skeletally fixed to the hind limb of animals in the loaded groups. Engaging the device resulted in an additional load of 0%, +22% or +44% body weight to the medial compartment of the experimental knee, while allowing normal joint function. Following a 12-week loading protocol, a creep-indentation test and needle probe test were used to determine the biphasic material propertie

SUBMITTER: Roemhildt ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2922428 | biostudies-literature | 2010 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature