Cartilage matrix 2d strain distributions for physiological loading conditions

Understanding the cartilage micro-environment has significant implications for evaluation of mechanobiological function of diarthrodial joints. The goal of this study was to measure the 2D strains through the cartilage thickness when dynamic mechanical loads of physiological relevance are applied. A custom-designed compression device was used to apply controlled cyclic loads, and a multi-photon excitation microscope was used for real-time imaging of cartilage strains. We found the novel result that increasing strain rates have a significant effect on strain variations through the cartilage thickness.