Abstract
The potential use of fiber-reinforced based polycarbonate-urethanes (PCUs) as candidate meniscal substitutes was investigated in this study. Mechanical test pieces were designed and fabricated using a compression molding technique. Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers were impregnated into PCU matrices, and their mechanical and microstructural properties evaluated. In particular, the tensile moduli of the PCUs were found unsuitable, since they were comparatively lower than that of the meniscus, and may not be able to replicate the inherent role of the meniscus effectively. However, the inclusion of fibers produced a substantial increment in the tensile modulus, to a value within a close range measured for meniscus tissues. Increments of up to 227% were calculated with a PCU fiber reinforcement composite. The embedded fibers in the PCU composites enhanced the fracture mechanisms by preventing the brittle failure and plastic deformation exhibited in fractured PCUs. The behavior of the composites in compression varied with respect to the PCU matrix materials. The mechanical characteristics demonstrated by the developed PCU composites suggest that fiber reinforcements have a considerable potential to duplicate the distinct and multifaceted biomechanical roles of the meniscus.
Highlights
The meniscus is a complex and vital biomechanical fibrocartilaginous tissue in the knee joint.The menisci are important structures, as they have a participatory role in shock absorption, joint lubrication and joint congruency [1,2,3,4]
In order to study the distribution of fibers in polymeric matrices, a useful approach is to examine
An accurate interfacial bonding existing within the fiber–matrix interface
Summary
The meniscus is a complex and vital biomechanical fibrocartilaginous tissue in the knee joint.The menisci are important structures, as they have a participatory role in shock absorption, joint lubrication and joint congruency [1,2,3,4]. Meniscal tears have been extensively reported as one of the most recurrent knee injuries [5,6,7,8,9]. Damage to the meniscus affects its load sharing and distribution roles performed in the knee, which has been linked to the degeneration of the articular cartilage and a high risk of the devastating disease, osteoarthritis [9,10,11]. Meniscus removal has considerable repercussions for the joint, as it causes abnormal contact pressures, resulting in joint degeneration [12]. As a result of the consequences of meniscectomy, alternative measures have involved the repair or replacement of the meniscus. Allografts are alternatives for replacing the meniscus of younger patients with a meniscectomized knee joint [14].
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