THE MICROSTRUCTURAL RESPONSE OF ARTICULAR CARTILAGE AT PEAK INTERNAL PORE PRESSURE: A COMPARISON BETWEEN NORMAL AND DEGENERATE MATRICES

摘要

This study highlights the importance of integrating both the hydrostatic fluid pore pressure with the detailed matrix microstructural response in understanding the complex processes involved in cartilage load-bearing. The study also shows that a properly maintained, zonally stratified intact matrix is required to effectively redistribute a locally applied stress.