Determination of mechanical properties of human articular cartilage by indentation

Abstract

Experiments were carried out on articular cartilage of human femoral heads taken from surgical operation. Experiments performed at 37 degrees C were run on different anatomical regions of the tissue. Compressive type 'loading-unloading' cycles were applied through an indentor. Total and absorbed energies decreased with increasing 'loading-unloading' periods. It is also found that energy and penetration being measurable parameters changed insignificantly with the anatomical regions of the articular cartilage. >