Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 15, 2026
08:06
Addressing Practical Issues in Atomic Force Microscopy-Based Micro-Indentation on Human Articular Cartilage Explants
Published on: October 28, 2022
Conceptual fracture parameters for articular cartilage
1School of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Medical Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Gardens Point, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Clinical Biomechanics (Bristol, Avon)
|May 12, 2007
Summary
Superficial cracks in articular cartilage resist propagation due to unique matrix stretching and water exudation. This study quantifies this resistance, revealing distinct crack behavior under tensile loading.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanics
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedics
Background:
- Superficial cracks in articular cartilage arise from trauma and wear.
- Understanding crack behavior in loaded cartilage matrix is limited.
- Previous studies focused on bottom-layer crack growth; this study examines superficial cracks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize superficial crack propagation in articular cartilage under tension.
- To quantify matrix resistance to crack growth at varying loading rates.
- To introduce an analogous poroelastic fracture toughness for cartilage.
Main Methods:
- Artificially induced superficial cracks in cartilage strips.
- Tensile loading at different velocities using a miniature tensile testing device.
- Recording load-displacement data, video, and still images for analysis.
Main Results:
- Crack propagation differs from classical engineering materials; crack tip movement is negligible.
- Matrix stretching, necking, and rotation of crack edges occur.
- An analogous poroelastic fracture toughness, Kp(Ic)=1.83 MPa.mm^0.5, was determined.
Conclusions:
- Superficial crack propagation in articular cartilage is difficult.
- Energy dissipation via water movement/exudation and matrix stretching contributes to resistance.
- Findings offer insights into cartilage's mechanical integrity and injury response.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
01:27Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue
Chondrocytes form a temporary cartilaginous model by dividing and secreting a thick gel-like extracellular matrix. Once the chondrocytes undergo programmed cell death, osteoblasts enter the site of the cartilaginous model. The process of replacing the temporary cartilaginous model with bone in an ordered manner is called endochondral ossification. In endochondral ossification, not all of the cartilage is replaced by bone tissue. Some cartilage that performs a protective and supportive function...