Viscoelastic properties of rabbit osteoarthritic menisci: A correlation with matrix alterations

- Healthy and osteoarthritic (OA) rabbit menisci were characterized in two regions.
- OA menisci displayed severe macroscopic tears 6 weeks after OA induction.
- The viscoelastic properties of OA menisci significantly decreased in both regions.
- The collagen fibres were less compact and more undulated in OA menisci.
- The GAGs content significantly decreased in the anterior region of OA menisci.