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Cartilage rehydration: The sliding-induced hydrodynamic triggering mechanism
Carmine Putignano1, David Burris2, Axel Moore2
1Department of Mechanics, Mathematics and Management, Politecnico di Bari, Via Orabona 4, 70100, Bari, Italy; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, United Kingdom.
Acta Biomaterialia
|March 6, 2021
Summary
Joint articulation prevents cartilage dehydration and osteoarthritis by rehydrating tissues. This study explains this motion-induced fluid recovery using a novel multiscale lubrication model, crucial for designing cartilage biomaterials.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Tribology
- Tissue Mechanics
Background:
- Cartilage exudation under static load leads to joint space thinning and osteoarthritis.
- Joint articulation normally recovers interstitial fluid, reversing exudation and maintaining tissue health.
- Understanding cartilage rehydration is vital for joint health and biomaterial design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide the first theoretical explanation for motion-induced cartilage rehydration.
- To develop and validate a numerical model for multiscale porous lubrication in joints.
- To identify key hydrodynamic mechanisms driving cartilage rehydration.
Main Methods:
- Implementation of a numerical model for multiscale porous lubrication.
- Simulation of joint articulation and static loading scenarios.
- Comparison of numerical predictions with experimental rehydration rates.
Main Results:
- Sliding-induced rehydration is primarily a hydrodynamic phenomenon.
- A wedge effect at the contact inlet is identified as the key mechanism.
- Model predictions align with experimental rehydration rates, confirming model robustness.
Conclusions:
- Joint motion is essential for maintaining cartilage hydration and function.
- The study elucidates the hydrodynamic basis of cartilage rehydration.
- The findings are critical for developing effective cartilage-mimicking biomaterials.
