Comparison of mechanical properties in the superficial zone of young bovine and mature human articular cartilage

Purpose: Characterization of the mechanical behavior of healthy articular cartilage is necessary to understand the degenerative (osteoarthritic) state. Multiple studies utilize (immature) bovine tissue for the understanding of cartilage mechanical properties. However, the extent by which these studies can be generalized to human cartilage remains unclear. Our prior work has highlighted the role of the superficial zone in maintaining the tissue’s function. Previously, we have reported cartilage surface stiffening induced by articular loading, which has thus far been only reported in young bovine cartilage.