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A comprehensive testing protocol for macro-scale mechanical characterization of knee articular cartilage with
Snehal Chokhandre1, Ahmet Erdemir1
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
|August 26, 2020
Summary
This study details a repeatable method for testing knee articular cartilage mechanics across multiple regions. The robust protocol ensures reliable, specimen-specific data crucial for finite element analysis and understanding cartilage behavior.
Area of Science:
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Orthopedic Research
- Materials Science
Background:
- Articular cartilage mechanics are vital for joint function.
- Existing testing protocols vary, hindering reproducibility and specimen-specific analysis.
- Accurate mechanical characterization is essential for finite element analyses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a detailed and robust procedure for articular cartilage testing.
- To assess the repeatability of testing across multiple knee cartilage regions.
- To provide elastic and time-dependent characterization data with uncertainty assessment.
Main Methods:
- Human cadaver knee cartilage (femur, tibia, patella) was tested.
- Specimens underwent unconfined compression, confined compression, and uniaxial tension.
- Each test was repeated three times for repeatability assessment.
Main Results:
- The developed protocol demonstrated well-controlled variability.
- Repeatable, specimen-specific data were generated for knee cartilage.
- Equilibrium modulus for patella under unconfined compression was 0.28 (0.0024) MPa.
Conclusions:
- The presented protocols enable reliable, specimen-specific characterization of knee articular cartilage.
- This study offers an in-depth uncertainty assessment for multi-region cartilage testing.
- The findings support improved finite element modeling of knee joint mechanics.
