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Composition and dynamics of articular cartilage: structure, function, and maintaining healthy state
N P Cohen1, R J Foster, V C Mow
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
|October 24, 1998
Summary
Articular cartilage
Area of Science:
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Biomechanical Engineering
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Articular cartilage disorders are common and debilitating.
- Understanding normal cartilage function is key to understanding pathology.
- Cartilage's mechanical properties depend on its biochemical constituents and structure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explain the mechanical properties and load-bearing capacity of articular cartilage.
- To elucidate the role of fluid flow in cartilage mechanics.
- To identify factors contributing to cartilage breakdown and degenerative processes.
Main Methods:
- Review of the biochemical constituents of articular cartilage (water, electrolytes, collagen, proteoglycan).
- Analysis of the viscoelastic properties arising from fluid flow through the solid matrix.
- Examination of factors leading to cartilage load-bearing capacity breakdown.
Main Results:
- Cartilage's viscoelasticity, driven by fluid flow, explains its deformational responses to loading.
- Degenerative processes often result from a breakdown in load-bearing capacity linked to fluid flow mechanics.
- Factors like trauma, obesity, immobilization, and excessive loading can cause this breakdown.
Conclusions:
- Normal cartilage mechanics are governed by fluid flow through its matrix.
- Degenerative joint diseases can stem from impaired fluid flow and load-bearing capacity.
- While sports are safe for healthy joints, they can harm abnormal cartilage.