Abstract
The meniscus is crucial in maintaining knee function and protecting the joint from secondary pathologies, including osteoarthritis. The meniscus has been shown to absorb up to 75% of the total load on the knee joint. Mechanical behavior of meniscal tissue in compression can be predicted by quantifying the mechanical parameters including; aggregate modulus (H) and Poisson modulus (ν), and the fluid transport parameter: hydraulic permeability (K). These parameters are crucial to develop a computational model of the tissue and for the design and development of tissue engineered scaffolds mimicking the native tissue. Hence, the objective of this study was to characterize the mechanical and fluid transport properties of human meniscus and relate them to the tissue composition. Specimens were prepared from the axial and the circumferential anatomical planes of the tissue. Stress relaxation tests yielded the H, while finite element modeling was used to curve fit for ν and K. Correlations of moduli with water and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) content were investigated. On average H was found to be 0.11 ± 0.078 MPa, ν was 0.32 ± 0.057, and K was 2.9 ± 2.27 × 10−15 m4N−1s−1. The parameters H, ν, and K were not found to be statistically different across compression orientation or compression level. Water content of the tissue was 77 ± 3.3% while GAG content was 8.79 ± 1.1%. Interestingly, a weak negative correlation was found between H and water content (R2 ~ 34%) and a positive correlation between K and GAG content (R2 ~ 53%). In conclusion, while no significant differences in transport and compressive properties can be found across sample orientation and compression levels, data trends suggest potential relationships between magnitudes of H and K, and GAG content.
Highlights
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disorder that has high socioeconomic impact, affecting 1 in 2 adults and resulting in more than $100 billion annually in the United States alone (Murphy and Helmick, 2012)
A total of three samples were prepared per meniscus: two for stress-relaxation experiments and one for water and GAG content measurements taken adjacent to the axial sample
Samples designated for mechanical tests were stored at −4◦C submerged in protease inhibited (Complete Tablets, Roche, Basel, SWI) 1X phosphate buffered saline (PBS) solution until testing
Summary
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disorder that has high socioeconomic impact, affecting 1 in 2 adults and resulting in more than $100 billion annually in the United States alone (Murphy and Helmick, 2012). The knee is highly susceptible to OA degenerative changes, and, is the most commonly affected joint. The primary function of the meniscus is to provide load distribution and transmission, while maintaining joint congruency and lubrication. It has been shown the menisci bear 45–75% of the total knee joint load, which can range from 2.7 to 4.9 times the body weight (Paul, 1976; Shrive et al, 1978). Damage or degeneration of the meniscus is detrimental to the underlying articular cartilage, and can lead to the progression of OA
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