An analysis of the stresses in a thin layer of articular cartilage in a synovial joint.

The stresses to which articular cartilage is subjected during its normal function undoubtedly influence its useful life. A simple yet rigorous approximate analysis of cartilage loading has been developed which allows cartilage stresses, strains and deformations to be determined from the thickness and material properties of the cartilage and its surface loading. Using this analysis to examine the probability of cartilage failure suggests that the pressure gradients and distribution in a joint are probably as important as the absolute values of pressure. The analysis also helps to explain certain characteristics of the cartilage and certain types of cartilage failure.

[1]  W. Hayes,et al.  A mathematical analysis for indentation tests of articular cartilage. , 1972, Journal of biomechanics.

[2]  G Meachim,et al.  Collagen alignments and artificial splits at the surface of human articular cartilage. , 1974, Journal of anatomy.

[3]  J. Goodfellow,et al.  Patello-femoral joint mechanics and pathology. 2. Chondromalacia patellae. , 1976, The Journal of bone and joint surgery. British volume.

[4]  W M Lai,et al.  Fluid transport and mechanical properties of articular cartilage: a review. , 1984, Journal of biomechanics.

[5]  M. A. R. Freeman,et al.  Adult Articular Cartilage , 1973 .

[6]  T D Brown,et al.  In vitro contact stress distributions in the natural human hip. , 1983, Journal of biomechanics.

[7]  W M Lai,et al.  An analysis of the unconfined compression of articular cartilage. , 1984, Journal of biomechanical engineering.

[8]  S. Orszag,et al.  Advanced Mathematical Methods For Scientists And Engineers , 1979 .

[9]  G. Bentley,et al.  Horizontal splitting in patellar articular cartilage. , 1978, Arthritis and rheumatism.

[10]  W C Hayes,et al.  Patellofemoral contact pressures. The influence of q-angle and tendofemoral contact. , 1984, The Journal of bone and joint surgery. American volume.

[11]  Van C. Mow,et al.  The Biomechanical Function of the Collagen Fibril Ultrastructure of Articular Cartilage , 1978 .

[12]  D. Hukins.  Connective Tissue Matrix , 1984 .

[13]  W C Hayes,et al.  Axisymmetric finite element analysis of the lateral tibial plateau. , 1978, Journal of biomechanics.

[14]  Van C. Mow,et al.  Recent Developments in Synovial Joint Biomechanics , 1980 .

[15]  T D Brown,et al.  A contact-coupled finite element analysis of the natural adult hip. , 1984, Journal of biomechanics.

[16]  B Weightman,et al.  A second study of tensile fatigue properties of human articular cartilage. , 1978, Annals of the rheumatic diseases.

[17]  A. Maroudas,et al.  Further studies on the composition of human femoral head cartilage. , 1980, Annals of the rheumatic diseases.