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Sequential changes in the mechanical properties of viable articular cartilage stored in vitro
Author(s) -
Thomas Victor J.,
Jimenez Sergio A.,
Brighton Carl T.,
Brown Norman
Publication year - 1984
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1554-527X
pISSN - 0736-0266
DOI - 10.1002/jor.1100020109
Subject(s) - cartilage , articular cartilage , preload , chondrocyte , biomedical engineering , femoral condyle , matrix (chemical analysis) , in vitro , chemistry , proteoglycan , materials science , osteoarthritis , anatomy , composite material , medicine , pathology , biochemistry , hemodynamics , alternative medicine
Viable articular cartilage from the medial femoral condyles of rabbits was stored in vitro in tissue culture medium with various additives and the same site of each specimen was mechanically tested sequentially throughout a 12‐day storage period. Indentation testing was performed with instantaneous and sustained loads. Preservation of sustained‐load carrying capacity was observed in the condyles stored with additives, indicating maintenance of an intact cartilage matrix. However, initial testing with small sustained loads (preload) showed changes not observed at higher load levels. The changes noted at small sustained initial loads may reflect alterations in cartilage surface structure and may be an early indicator of its mechanical integrity. Chondrocyte viability and proteoglycan content, as measured by 35 S incorporation and hexosamine concentration, were unchanged in comparison to fresh articular cartilage.