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Ma Y, Lin Q, Wang X, Liu Y, Yu X, Ren Z, Zhang Y, Guo L, Wu X, Zhang X, Li P, Duan W, Wei X. Biomechanical properties of articular cartilage in different regions and sites of the knee joint: acquisition of osteochondral allografts. Cell Tissue Bank 2024; 25:633-648. [PMID: 38319426 PMCID: PMC11143059 DOI: 10.1007/s10561-024-10126-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Osteochondral allograft (OCA) transplantation involves grafting of natural hyaline cartilage and supporting subchondral bone into the cartilage defect area to restore its biomechanical and tissue structure. However, differences in biomechanical properties and donor-host matching may impair the integration of articular cartilage (AC). This study analyzed the biomechanical properties of the AC in different regions of different sites of the knee joint and provided a novel approach to OCA transplantation. Intact stifle joints from skeletally mature pigs were collected from a local abattoir less than 8 h after slaughter. OCAs were collected from different regions of the joints. The patella and the tibial plateau were divided into medial and lateral regions, while the trochlea and femoral condyle were divided into six regions. The OCAs were analyzed and compared for Young's modulus, the compressive modulus, and cartilage thickness. Young's modulus, cartilage thickness, and compressive modulus of OCA were significantly different in different regions of the joints. A negative correlation was observed between Young's modulus and the proportion of the subchondral bone (r = - 0.4241, P < 0.0001). Cartilage thickness was positively correlated with Young's modulus (r = 0.4473, P < 0.0001) and the compressive modulus (r = 0.3678, P < 0.0001). During OCA transplantation, OCAs should be transplanted in the same regions, or at the closest possible regions to maintain consistency of the biomechanical properties and cartilage thickness of the donor and recipient, to ensure smooth integration with the surrounding tissue. A 7 mm depth achieved a higher Young's modulus, and may represent the ideal length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongsheng Ma
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Qitai Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Xueding Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Xiangyang Yu
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Zhiyuan Ren
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Yuanyu Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Li Guo
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Xiaogang Wu
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Xiangyu Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Taiyuan University of Technology, Taiyuan, 030024, China
| | - Pengcui Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Wangping Duan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, Taiyuan, 030001, China.
| | - Xiaochun Wei
- Department of Orthopaedics, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, No. 382, Wuyi Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Bone and Soft Tissue Injury Repair, Taiyuan, 030001, China
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Ramsdell JC, Beynnon BD, Borah AS, Gardner-Morse MG, Zhang J, Krug MI, Tourville TW, Geeslin M, Failla MJ, DeSarno M, Fiorentino NM. Tibial and femoral articular cartilage exhibit opposite outcomes for T1ρ and T2* relaxation times in response to acute compressive loading in healthy knees. J Biomech 2024; 169:112133. [PMID: 38744146 PMCID: PMC11193943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2024.112133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Abnormal loading is thought to play a key role in the disease progression of cartilage, but our understanding of how cartilage compositional measurements respond to acute compressive loading in-vivo is limited. Ten healthy subjects were scanned at two timepoints (7 ± 3 days apart) with a 3 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner. Scanning sessions included T1ρ and T2* acquisitions of each knee in two conditions: unloaded (traditional MRI setup) and loaded in compression at 40 % bodyweight as applied by an MRI-compatible loading device. T1ρ and T2* parameters were quantified for contacting cartilage (tibial and femoral) and non-contacting cartilage (posterior femoral condyle) regions. Significant effects of load were found in contacting regions for both T1ρ and T2*. The effect of load (loaded minus unloaded) in femoral contacting regions ranged from 4.1 to 6.9 ms for T1ρ, and 3.5 to 13.7 ms for T2*, whereas tibial contacting regions ranged from -5.6 to -1.7 ms for T1ρ, and -2.1 to 0.7 ms for T2*. Notably, the responses to load in the femoral and tibial cartilage revealed opposite effects. No significant differences were found in response to load between the two visits. This is the first study that analyzed the effects of acute loading on T1ρ and T2* measurements in human femoral and tibial cartilage separately. The results suggest the effect of acute compressive loading on T1ρ and T2* was: 1) opposite in the femoral and tibial cartilage; 2) larger in contacting regions than in non-contacting regions of the femoral cartilage; and 3) not different visit-to-visit.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Ramsdell
- Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Vermont, United States
| | - Bruce D Beynnon
- Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Vermont, United States; Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Vermont, United States
| | - Andrew S Borah
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Vermont, United States
| | - Mack G Gardner-Morse
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Vermont, United States
| | - Jiming Zhang
- Department of Radiology Oncology & Medical Physics, University of Vermont, United States
| | - Mickey I Krug
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Vermont, United States
| | - Timothy W Tourville
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Vermont, United States; Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences, University of Vermont, United States
| | - Matthew Geeslin
- Department of Radiology, University of Vermont, United States
| | - Mathew J Failla
- Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Vermont, United States; Department of Rehabilitation and Movement Sciences, University of Vermont, United States
| | - Michael DeSarno
- Biomedical Statistics Research Core, University of Vermont, United States
| | - Niccolo M Fiorentino
- Department of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering, University of Vermont, United States; Department of Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, University of Vermont, United States; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Vermont, United States.
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3
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Okada S, Taniguchi M, Yagi M, Motomura Y, Okada S, Nakazato K, Fukumoto Y, Kobayashi M, Kanemitsu K, Ichihashi N. Characteristics of Acute Cartilage Response After Mechanical Loading in Patients with Early-Mild Knee Osteoarthritis. Ann Biomed Eng 2024; 52:1326-1334. [PMID: 38329562 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-024-03456-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
This study determined whether the acute cartilage response, assessed by cartilage thickness and echo intensity, differs between patients with early-mild knee osteoarthritis (OA) and healthy controls. We recruited 56 women aged ≥ 50 years with Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grade ≤ 2 (age, 70.6 ± 7.4 years; height, 153.7 ± 5.2 cm; weight, 51.9 ± 8.2 kg). Based on KL grades and knee symptoms, the participants were classified into control (KL ≤ 1, asymptomatic, n = 27) and early-mild knee OA groups (KL 1 and symptomatic, KL 2, n = 29). Medial femoral cartilage thickness and echo intensity were assessed using ultrasonographic B-mode images before and after treadmill walking (15 min, 3.3 km/h). To investigate the acute cartilage response, repeated-measures analysis of covariance (groups × time) with adjusted age, external knee moment impulse, steps during treadmill walking, and cartilage thickness at pre-walking was performed. A significant interaction was found at the tibiofemoral joint; after walking, the cartilage thickness was significantly decreased in the early-mild knee OA group compared to the control group (p = 0.002). At the patellofemoral joint, a significant main effect of time was observed, but no interaction was detected (p = 0.802). No changes in cartilage echo intensity at either the tibiofemoral or patellofemoral joints, and no interactions were noted (p = 0.295 and p = 0.063). As acute cartilage response after walking, the thickness of the medial tibiofemoral joint in the early-mild knee OA was significantly reduced than that in the control group. Thus, greater acute deformation after walking might be a feature found in patients with early-mild knee OA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Okada
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
- Research Fellow of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masashi Taniguchi
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Masahide Yagi
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Motomura
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
- Kobayashi Orthopaedic Clinic, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Sayaka Okada
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Kaede Nakazato
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Fukumoto
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
- Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | | | | | - Noriaki Ichihashi
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
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Mononen ME, Liukkonen MK, Turunen MJ. X-ray with finite element analysis is a viable alternative for MRI to predict knee osteoarthritis: Data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative. J Orthop Res 2024. [PMID: 38650428 DOI: 10.1002/jor.25861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers superior soft tissue contrast compared to clinical X-ray imaging methods, while also providing accurate three-dimensional (3D) geometries, it could be reasoned to be the best imaging modality to create 3D finite element (FE) geometries of the knee joint. However, MRI may not necessarily be superior for making tissue-level FE simulations of internal stress distributions within knee joint, which can be utilized to calculate subject-specific risk for the onset and development of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). Specifically, MRI does not provide any information about tissue stiffness, as the imaging is usually performed with the patient lying on their back. In contrast, native X-rays taken while the patient is standing indirectly reveal information of the overall health of the knee that is not seen in MRI. To determine the feasibility of X-ray workflow to generate FE models based on the baseline information (clinical image data and subject characteristics), we compared MRI and X-ray-based simulations of volumetric cartilage degenerations (N = 1213) against 8-year follow-up data. The results suggest that X-ray-based predictions of KOA are at least as good as MRI-based predictions for subjects with no previous knee injuries. This finding may have important implications for preventive care, as X-ray imaging is much more accessible than MRI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mika E Mononen
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mimmi K Liukkonen
- Department of Clinical Radiology, Kuopio University Hospital, The Wellbeing Services County of North Savo, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikael J Turunen
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
- Science Service Center, Kuopio University Hospital, The Wellbeing Services County of North Savo, Kuopio, Finland
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Cognetti DJ, Defoor MT, Yuan TT, Sheean AJ. Knee Joint Preservation in Tactical Athletes: A Comprehensive Approach Based upon Lesion Location and Restoration of the Osteochondral Unit. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:246. [PMID: 38534520 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11030246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The unique physical demands of tactical athletes put immense stress on the knee joint, making these individuals susceptible to injury. In order to ensure operational readiness, management options must restore and preserve the native architecture and minimize downtime, while optimizing functionality. Osteochondral lesions (OCL) of the knee have long been acknowledged as significant sources of knee pain and functional deficits. The management of OCL is predicated on certain injury characteristics, including lesion location and the extent of subchondral disease. Techniques such as marrow stimulation, allograft and autologous chondrocyte implantation are examined in detail, with a focus on their application and suitability in tactical athlete populations. Moreover, the restoration of the osteochondral unit (OCU) is highlighted as a central aspect of knee joint preservation. The discussion encompasses the biomechanical considerations and outcomes associated with various cartilage restoration techniques. Factors influencing procedure selection, including lesion size, location, and patient-specific variables, are thoroughly examined. Additionally, the review underscores the critical role of post-operative rehabilitation and conditioning programs in optimizing outcomes. Strengthening the surrounding musculature, enhancing joint stability, and refining movement patterns are paramount in facilitating the successful integration of preservation procedures. This narrative review aims to provide a comprehensive resource for surgeons, engineers, and sports medicine practitioners engaged in the care of tactical athletes and the field of cartilage restoration. The integration of advanced preservation techniques and tailored rehabilitation protocols offers a promising avenue for sustaining knee joint health and function in this demanding population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Cognetti
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Drive, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA
| | - Mikalyn T Defoor
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Drive, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA
| | - Tony T Yuan
- Advanced Exposures Diagnostics, Interventions and Biosecurity Group, 59 Medical Wing, Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX 78236, USA
- Center for Biotechnology (4D Bio3), Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Andrew J Sheean
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brooke Army Medical Center, 3551 Roger Brooke Drive, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA
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Jahangir S, Esrafilian A, Ebrahimi M, Stenroth L, Alkjær T, Henriksen M, Englund M, Mononen ME, Korhonen RK, Tanska P. Sensitivity of simulated knee joint mechanics to selected human and bovine fibril-reinforced poroelastic material properties. J Biomech 2023; 160:111800. [PMID: 37797566 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Fibril-reinforced poroviscoelastic material models are considered state-of-the-art in modeling articular cartilage biomechanics. Yet, cartilage material parameters are often based on bovine tissue properties in computational knee joint models, although bovine properties are distinctly different from those of humans. Thus, we aimed to investigate how cartilage mechanical responses are affected in the knee joint model during walking when fibril-reinforced poroviscoelastic properties of cartilage are based on human data instead of bovine. We constructed a finite element knee joint model in which tibial and femoral cartilages were modeled as fibril-reinforced poroviscoelastic material using either human or bovine data. Joint loading was based on subject-specific gait data. The resulting mechanical responses of knee cartilage were compared between the knee joint models with human or bovine fibril-reinforced poroviscoelastic cartilage properties. Furthermore, we conducted a sensitivity analysis to determine which fibril-reinforced poroviscoelastic material parameters have the greatest impact on cartilage mechanical responses in the knee joint during walking. In general, bovine cartilage properties yielded greater maximum principal stresses and fluid pressures (both up to 30%) when compared to the human cartilage properties during the loading response in both femoral and tibial cartilage sites. Cartilage mechanical responses were very sensitive to the collagen fibril-related material parameter variations during walking while they were unresponsive to proteoglycan matrix or fluid flow-related material parameter variations. Taken together, human cartilage material properties should be accounted for when the goal is to compare absolute mechanical responses of knee joint cartilage as bovine material parameters lead to substantially different cartilage mechanical responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Jahangir
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Amir Esrafilian
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Lauri Stenroth
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Tine Alkjær
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Marius Henriksen
- The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg-Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Englund
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mika E Mononen
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Rami K Korhonen
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Petri Tanska
- Department of Technical Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
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Ead M, Wu K, Jar C, Duke K, Jomha N, Westover L. Mechanical Properties of Fresh, Frozen and Vitrified Articular Cartilage. Ann Biomed Eng 2023; 51:2001-2012. [PMID: 37129781 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03220-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Osteochondral allograft transplantations are typically used to treat focal articular cartilage injuries where the damaged cartilage is replaced with fresh cadaveric donor grafts. Despite the notable success rate of this procedure, it is limited by fresh donor tissue availability which can only be stored for approximately 28 days after harvest. Vitrification, a form of cryopreservation, can extend the storage time of cartilage. Although it has shown to preserve chondrocyte viability, its effect on the mechanical properties of the tissue has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, in this study, the mechanical properties of fresh, frozen, and vitrified articular cartilage were evaluated through unconfined compression testing. Results showed that the peak modulus, equilibrium modulus, and relaxation time constants of the vitrified and control samples (tested one day after harvest) were similar and higher than the fresh (tested 21 days after harvest) and frozen samples. This demonstrated that vitrification does not adversely affect the mechanical properties of cartilage and can be used as an alternative to fresh allografts which are limited by storage time. The fresh samples also had inferior mechanical properties compared to the control samples suggesting that vitrified allografts could potentially improve clinical outcomes in addition to increasing donor tissue availability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Ead
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada.
| | - Kezhou Wu
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
- Sports Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Chester Jar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Kajsa Duke
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Nadr Jomha
- Department of Surgery, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Lindsey Westover
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
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8
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Al-Saffar Y, Moo EK, Pingguan-Murphy B, Matyas J, Korhonen RK, Herzog W. Dependence of crack shape in loaded articular cartilage on the collagenous structure. Connect Tissue Res 2023; 64:294-306. [PMID: 36853960 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2023.2166500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Cartilage cracks disrupt tissue mechanics, alter cell mechanobiology, and often trigger tissue degeneration. Yet, some tissue cracks heal spontaneously. A primary factor determining the fate of tissue cracks is the compression-induced mechanics, specifically whether a crack opens or closes when loaded. Crack deformation is thought to be affected by tissue structure, which can be probed by quantitative polarized light microscopy (PLM). It is unclear how the PLM measures are related to deformed crack morphology. Here, we investigated the relationship between PLM-derived cartilage structure and mechanical behavior of tissue cracks by testing if PLM-derived structural measures correlated with crack morphology in mechanically indented cartilages. METHODS Knee joint cartilages harvested from mature and immature animals were used for their distinct collagenous fibrous structure and composition. The cartilages were cut through thickness, indented over the cracked region, and processed histologically. Sample-specific birefringence was quantified as two-dimensional (2D) maps of azimuth and retardance, two measures related to local orientation and degree of alignment of the collagen fibers, respectively. The shape of mechanically indented tissue cracks, measured as depth-dependent crack opening, were compared with azimuth, retardance, or "PLM index," a new parameter derived by combining azimuth and retardance. RESULTS Of the three parameters, only the PLM index consistently correlated with the crack shape in immature and mature tissues. CONCLUSION In conclusion, we identified the relative roles of azimuth and retardance on the deformation of tissue cracks, with azimuth playing the dominant role. The applicability of the PLM index should be tested in future studies using naturally-occurring tissue cracks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasir Al-Saffar
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Eng Kuan Moo
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - John Matyas
- Department of Comparative Biology and Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Rami K Korhonen
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Walter Herzog
- Human Performance Laboratory, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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9
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Lee W, Miller EY, Zhu H, Luetkemeyer CM, Schneider SE, Neu CP. High frame rate deformation analysis of knee cartilage by spiral dualMRI and relaxation mapping. Magn Reson Med 2023; 89:694-709. [PMID: 36300860 PMCID: PMC10017275 DOI: 10.1002/mrm.29487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Daily activities including walking impose high-frequency cyclic forces on cartilage and repetitive compressive deformation. Analyzing cartilage deformation during walking would provide spatial maps of displacement and strain and enable viscoelastic characterization, which may serve as imaging biomarkers for early cartilage degeneration when the damage is still reversible. However, the time-dependent biomechanics of cartilage is not well described, and how defects in the joint impact the viscoelastic response is unclear. METHODS We used spiral acquisition with displacement-encoding MRI to quantify displacement and strain maps at a high frame rate (25 frames/s) in tibiofemoral joints. We also employed relaxometry methods (T1 , T1ρ , T2 , T2 *) on the cartilage. RESULTS Normal and shear strains were concentrated on the bovine tibiofemoral contact area during loading, and the defected joint exhibited larger compressive strains. We also determined a positive correlation between the change of T1ρ in cartilage after cyclic loading and increased compressive strain on the defected joint. Viscoelastic behavior was quantified by the time-dependent displacement, where the damaged joint showed increased creep behavior compared to the intact joint. This technique was also successfully demonstrated on an in vivo human knee showing the gradual change of displacement during varus load. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that spiral scanning with displacement encoding can quantitatively differentiate the damaged from intact joint using the strain and creep response. The viscoelastic response identified with this methodology could serve as biomarkers to detect defects in joints in vivo and facilitate the early diagnosis of joint diseases such as osteoarthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woowon Lee
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Emily Y. Miller
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Hongtian Zhu
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Callan M. Luetkemeyer
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Stephanie E. Schneider
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Corey P. Neu
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- BioFrontiers Institute, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
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10
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McCreery KP, Luetkemeyer CM, Calve S, Neu CP. Hyperelastic characterization reveals proteoglycans drive the nanoscale strain-stiffening response in hyaline cartilage. J Biomech 2023; 146:111397. [PMID: 36469996 PMCID: PMC9922104 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2022.111397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis (OA) result in deterioration of cartilage extracellular matrix (ECM) components, significantly compromising tissue function. For measurement of mechanical properties at micron resolution, atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a leading technique in biomaterials research, including in the study of OA. It is common practice to determine material properties by applying classical Hertzian contact theory to AFM data. However, errors are consequential because the application of a linear elastic contact model to tissue ignores the fact that soft materials exhibit nonlinear properties even at small strains, influencing the biological conclusions of clinically-relevant studies. Additionally, nonlinear material properties are not well characterized, limiting physiological relevance of Young's modulus. Here, we probe the ECM of hyaline cartilage with AFM and explore the application of Hertzian theory in comparison to five hyperelastic models: NeoHookean, Mooney-Rivlin, Arruda-Boyce, Fung, and Ogden. The Fung and Ogden models achieved the best fits of the data, but the Fung model demonstrated robust sensitivity during model validation, demonstrating its ideal application to cartilage ECM and potentially other connective tissues. To develop a biological understanding of the Fung nonlinear parameter, we selectively degraded ECM components to target collagens (purified collagenase), hyaluronan (bacterial hyaluronidase), and glycosaminoglycans (chondroitinase ABC). We found significant differences in both Fung parameters in response to enzymatic treatment, indicating that proteoglycans drive the nonlinear response of cartilage ECM, and validating biological relevance of these phenomenological parameters. Our findings add value to the biomechanics community of using two-parameter material models for microindentation of soft biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaitlin P McCreery
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA; Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Callan M Luetkemeyer
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
| | - Sarah Calve
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA; Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Corey P Neu
- Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA; Biomedical Engineering Program, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA.
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Szarek P, Pierce DM. A specialized protocol for mechanical testing of isolated networks of type II collagen. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2022; 136:105466. [PMID: 36183667 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The mechanical responses of most soft biological tissues rely heavily on networks of collagen fibers, thus quantifying the mechanics of both individual collagen fibers and networks of these fibers advances understanding of biological tissues in health and disease. The mechanics of type I collagen are well-studied and quantified. Yet no data exist on the tensile mechanical responses of individual type II collagen fibers nor of isolated networks comprised of type II collagen. We aimed to establish methods to facilitate studies of networked and individual type II collagen fibers within the native networked structure, specifically to establish best practices for isolating and mechanically testing type II collagen networks in tension. We systematically investigated mechanical tests of networks of type II collagen undergoing uniaxial extension, and quantified ranges for each of the important variables to help ensure that the experiment itself does not affect the measured mechanical parameters. Specifically we determined both the specimen (establishing networks of isolated collagen, the footprint and thickness of the specimen) and the mechanical test (both the device and the strain rate) to establish a repeatable and practical protocol. Mechanical testing of isolated networks of type II collagen fibers leveraging this protocol will lead to better understanding of the mechanics both of these networks and of the individual fibers. Such understanding may aid in developing and testing therapeutics, understanding inter-constituent interactions (and their roles in bulk-tissue biomechanics), investigating mechanical/biochemical modifications to networked type II collagen, and proposing, calibrating, and validating constitutive models for finite element analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phoebe Szarek
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States of America
| | - David M Pierce
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States of America; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, United States of America.
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Berni M, Erani P, Lopomo NF, Baleani M. Optimization of In Situ Indentation Protocol to Map the Mechanical Properties of Articular Cartilage. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 15:6425. [PMID: 36143736 PMCID: PMC9505484 DOI: 10.3390/ma15186425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Tissue engineering aims at developing complex composite scaffolds for articular cartilage repair. These scaffolds must exhibit a mechanical behavior similar to the whole osteochondral unit. In situ spherical indentation allows us to map the mechanical behavior of articular cartilage, avoiding removal of the underlying bone tissue. Little is known about the impact of grid spacing, indenter diameter, and induced deformation on the cartilage response to indentation. We investigated the impact of grid spacing (range: a to 3a, where a is the radius of the contact area between cartilage and indenter), indenter diameter (range: 1 to 8 mm), and deformation induced by indentation (constant indentation depth versus constant nominal deformation) on cartilage response. The bias induced by indentations performed in adjacent grid points was minimized with a 3a grid spacing. The cartilage response was indenter-dependent for diameters ranging between 1 and 6 mm with a nominal deformation of 15%. No significant differences were found using 6 mm and 8 mm indenters. Six mm and 8 mm indenters were used to map human articular cartilage with a grid spacing equal to 3a. Instantaneous elastic modulus E0 was calculated for constant indentation depth and constant nominal deformation. E0 value distribution did not change significantly by switching the two indenters, while dispersion decreased by 5-6% when a constant nominal deformation was applied. Such an approach was able to discriminate changes in tissue response due to doubling the indentation rate. The proposed procedure seems to reduce data dispersion and properly determine cartilage mechanical properties to be compared with those of complex composite scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Berni
- Laboratorio di Tecnologia Medica, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Erani
- Laboratorio di Tecnologia Medica, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Massimiliano Baleani
- Laboratorio di Tecnologia Medica, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy
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Moo EK, Ebrahimi M, Sibole SC, Tanska P, Korhonen RK. The intrinsic quality of proteoglycans, but not collagen fibres, degrades in osteoarthritic cartilage. Acta Biomater 2022; 153:178-189. [PMID: 36113721 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The function of articular cartilage as a load-bearing connective tissue is derived primarily from a balanced interaction between the swelling proteoglycan (PG) matrix and tension-resistant collagen fibrous network. Such balance is compromised during joint disease such as osteoarthritis (OA) due to degradation to PGs and/or collagens. While the PG degradation is generally thought to be related to a loss of protein abundance, the collagenous degradation is more complex as it can be caused independently by a decrease of collagen content, disorganisation of fibrous structure and softening of individual collagen fibrils. A comprehensive understanding of the initial trajectories of degradation of PGs and collagen network can improve our chance of finding potential therapeutic solutions for OA. Here, we developed geometrically, structurally, and compositionally realistic and sample-specific Finite Element (FE) models under the framework of multiphasic mixture theory, from which the elastic moduli of collagen fibres and the PG load-bearing quality in healthy and diseased cartilages were estimated by numerical optimisation of the multi-step indentation stress relaxation force-time curves. We found the intrinsic quality of collagen fibres, measured by their elastic moduli, to stay constant for healthy and diseased cartilages. Combining with previous findings which show unaltered collagen content during early stages of OA, our results suggest the disorganisation of collagen fibrous network as the first form of collagenous degradation in osteoarthritic cartilage. We also found that PG degradation involves not only a loss of protein abundance, but also the quality of the remaining PGs in generating sufficient osmotic pressure for load bearing. This study sheds light on the mechanism of OA pathogenesis and highlights the restoration of collageneous organisation in cartilage as key medical intervention for OA. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Collagen network in articular cartilage consists of individual fibres that are organised into depth-dependent structure specialised for joint load-bearing and lubrication. During osteoarthritis, the collagen network undergoes mechanical degradation, but it is unclear if a loss of content, disorganisation of fibrous structure, or softening of individual fibres causes this degeneration. Using mechanical indentation, Finite Element modelling, and numerical optimisation methods, we determined that individual fibres did not soften in early disease stage. Together with previous findings showing unaltered collagen content, our results pinpoint the disorganisation of collagen structure as the main culprit for early collagenous degradation in osteoarthritic cartilage. Thus, early restoration in cartilage of collagen organisation, instead of individual fibre quality, may be key to slow osteoarthritis development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eng Kuan Moo
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, Kuopio 70211, Finland; Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, 2500, University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta 2N1N4, Canada.
| | | | - Scott C Sibole
- Human Performance Laboratory, University of Calgary, 2500, University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta 2N1N4, Canada
| | - Petri Tanska
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, Kuopio 70211, Finland
| | - Rami K Korhonen
- Department of Applied Physics, University of Eastern Finland, POB 1627, Kuopio 70211, Finland.
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Li J, Li H, Wu C, Zhang W. PVA-AAm-AG multi-network hydrogel with high mechanical strength and cell adhesion. POLYMER 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2022.124786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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15
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A review of composition‐structure‐function properties and tissue engineering strategies of articular cartilage: compare condyle process and knee‐joint. ADVANCED ENGINEERING MATERIALS 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/adem.202200304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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