Use of microindentation to characterize the mechanical properties of articular cartilage: comparison of biphasic material properties across length scales

SummaryObjectiveSmall scale mechanical testing techniques offer new possibilities for defining changes in mechanical properties that accompany the morphological, histological, and biochemical abnormalities of osteoarthritis (OA). The goal of this study was to investigate the use of microindentation in characterizing the biphasic material properties of articular cartilage. Direct comparisons of the biphasic properties (E, k and ν) determined using microindentation were made to those determined on the same specimens using standard macroscale testing techniques.MethodsDeep-zone bovine articular cartilage specimens (n = 10) were tested in macroscale confined and unconfined compression. For microindentation testing, the biphasic properties were determined by conducting finite element simulations of the microindentation experiments for different combinations of values of biphasic properties and identifying the combination yielding the best match to each microindentation curve. Paired t-tests were performed to compare each of E, k and ν between the macro- and microscale.ResultsThe microscale values for E, k and ν were 0.74 (0.53, 0.95) MPa, 0.66 (0.022, 0.110) × 10−16 m4/N s, and 0.16 (0.08, 0.24), respectively. A significant difference between the macro- and microscale measurements was observed for k (P < 0.0001), but not for E or ν (P = 0.88, 0.16).ConclusionsThe agreement in Young’s modulus and Poisson’s ratio between the results of the microindentation and macroscale tests supports the use of microindentation for characterization of some of the biphasic material properties of articular cartilage. The observed differences in permeability between macro- and microscales are consistent with evidence in the literature of a length-scale dependence to this property.