A Finite Element Analysis Methodology for Representing the Articular Cartilage Functional Structure

Recognising that the unique biomechanical properties of articular cartilage are a consequence of its structure, this paper describes a finite element methodology which explicitly represents this structure using a modified overlay element model. The validity of this novel concept was then tested by using it to predict the axial curling forces generated by cartilage matrices subjected to saline solutions of known molality and concentration in a novel experimental protocol. Our results show that the finite element modelling methodology accurately represents the intrinsic biomechanical state of the cartilage matrix and can be used to predict its transient load-carriage behaviour. We conclude that this ability to represent the intrinsic swollen condition of a given cartilage matrix offers a viable avenue for numerical analysis of degenerate articular cartilage and also those matrices affected by disease.