CHARACTERIZING THE SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY OF VIABLE CARTILAGE EXPLANTS A NOVEL APPLICATION OF THE SCANNING WHITE LIGHT INTERFEROMETER

摘要

Surface topography is an important parameter that affects friction, lubrication and wear of contacting materials. Articular cartilage has a very distinct topography allowing transport of nutritious fluid under elastohydrodynamic lubrication conditions. Topographical measurements are a prerequisite for ex-vivo explant cultures which have become increasingly popular in the field of mechanobiology. Recently, several laboratories established wear tests to evaluate artificial cartilage repair materials intended to articulate against natural cartilage. Stylus profilometry.