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Updated: Nov 8, 2025
09:08
Biotribological Testing and Analysis of Articular Cartilage Sliding against Metal for Implants
Published on: May 14, 2020
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A MOVING CONTACT OF ARTICULATION ENHANCES THE BIOSYNTHETIC AND FUNCTIONAL RESPONSES OF ARTICULAR CARTILAGE
Vivek K Shekhawat1,2, John L Hamilton1, Carol A Pacione1
1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL.
Biotribology (Oxford)
|April 26, 2021
Summary
A moving contact area in joints is crucial for maintaining articular cartilage health. This study shows that migratory contact reduces friction and preserves cartilage structure and function.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Articular cartilage health depends on biomechanical forces, including joint loading.
- A migrating contact area reduces friction but its full impact on cartilage properties is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of migratory contact area on articular cartilage structure, function, and biosynthesis.
- To compare moving contact (MC) articulation with stationary contact (SC) articulation in vitro.
Main Methods:
- Bovine cartilage explants were subjected to compression and shear forces under MC and SC articulation in a biotribometer.
- Histological analysis, chondrocyte viability, lubricin and proteoglycan synthesis, and frictional testing were performed.
Main Results:
- MC articulation reduced the coefficient of friction and surface roughness compared to SC articulation.
- The MC group showed increased chondrocyte viability and lubricin synthesis, with no significant difference in proteoglycan synthesis.
- Histology revealed surface fibrillations in the SC group, absent in the MC group.
Conclusions:
- A migratory contact area is vital for maintaining articular cartilage's structural, functional, and biosynthetic properties.
- In vitro assessment of natural joint movement, like MC articulation, is important for understanding cartilage homeostasis and disease.
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