Tibial Cartilage Damage and Deformation at Peak Displacement Compression during Simulated Landing Impact

Abstract

Background: Structural changes of articular cartilage at the point of peak displacement compression during a landing impact are unknown. Hypothesis: Extent of damage and deformation is significantly different for superficial, middle, and deep cartilage zones at peak displacement compression during simulated landing impact compared with after impact. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: Explants were extracted from porcine tibial cartilages and divided into 3 test conditions: nonimpact control, impact and release, and impact and hold. Impact compression, with peak deformation of 2 mm, was applied based on a single 10-Hz haversine to simulate landing impact. For impact and relea..