Use of Microindentation to Characterize the Mechanical Properties of Articular Cartilage: Comparison of Biphasic Material Properties Across Length Scales

摘要

ObjectiveSmall scale mechanical testing techniques offer new possibilities for defining changes in mechanical properties that accompany the morphological, histological, and biochemical abnormalities of OA. The goal of this study was to investigate the use of microindentation in characterizing the biphasic material properties of articular cartilage. Direct comparisons of the biphasic properties (E, k and ν) determined using microindentation were made to those determined on the same specimens using standard macroscale testing techniques.