Frictional Characteristics and Tissue Loss of Articular Cartilage Under a Novel Wear Regime

Degenerative joint disease, age, and trauma lead to progressive articular cartilage damage due to the tissue’s limited repair capabilities. Numerous clinical repair techniques with varying degrees of success have been developed in order to repair damaged tissue and restore joint function. One approach is the development of articular cartilage repair tissue to implant into the damaged or diseased articular surface. Determining the viability of an articular repair technique or tissue under in vivo stresses and wear is crucial to predict its success.