Methods of imaging articular cartilage under shear

Abstract

Characterizing both the structure of articular cartilage, and its biomechanical properties is key to gaining a full understanding of how the tissue functions. Articular cartilage is an inhomogeneous tissue with a depth dependent functional structures. This results in anisotropic depth dependent mechanical properties, which help this tissue deal with a harsh mechanical environment. Collagen fibers orientation plays an important role in the significant depth dependent functional traits of articular cartilage. Distinguishing the structural regions of articular cartilage, and relating that to the depth dependent mechanical properties of the tissue, could lead to a significant increase in our understanding of the relationship between structure and function for articular cartilage.