[Mechanochemistry of the joint cartilage and arthrosis--a pathophysiologic correlation]

The influence of changes in physicochemical parameters on the biomechanics of articular cartilage is investigated using relaxation tests in healthy rabbit cartilage. A mathematical model is established. An increase in ionic strength and osmolarity, as well as a rise in temperature lead to an increase in the compliance of cartilage. The majority of these phenomena are nonlinear and in most cases so characteristic that they can be associated with particular molecular processes in the cartilage matrix. The experimental results allow an insight into the functioning of articular cartilage and put another pathogenetical factor of arthrosis up for discussion by demonstrating the lability of the ideal mechanical condition.