Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026

In Vivo Quantification of Hip Arthrokinematics during Dynamic Weight-bearing Activities using Dual Fluoroscopy
Published on: July 2, 2021
Changes in the deformational behavior of human hip cartilage with age
C G Armstrong1, A S Bahrani, D L Gardner
1Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY 12181, USA.
Abstract:
The deformation occurring in the articular cartilage covering the human femoral head has been measured both when the femoral head is loaded in its natural acetabulum and when the cartilage is loaded with a small indentor. The results indicate that the material response is substantially different in these two situations. In the intact joint the cartilage deformation is substantially greater in older joints, but the response of cartilage to loading with an indentor does not change significantly with age. Theoretical elastic models of the cartilage behavior in these two situations were analyzed. For old cartilage which is idealized as an elastic material the increased deformation which is observed in the intact joint can be attributed to changes in Poisson's ratio, though in the real material increased fluid flux under load is the more probable cause.
Related Concept Videos
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Degenerative Disc Disease I: Introduction
Growth of Cartilage and Bone Tissue
The Effect of Aging on Tissues
Bone Formation by Endochondral Ossification

