圧縮負荷下での関節軟骨の含水率の変化の有限要素解析

抄録

Articular cartilage is a composite of materials with widely differing biomechanical properties, in which 70% to 80% of the weight is water. Moreover, articular cartilage is characterized by a zonal composition of superficial zone, middle zone and deep zone. In this study, a FEM model is proposed to produce the distribution of the chondrocyte in each zone, in which the material property of the chondrocyte is given as a rubber-like material and that of the matrix is given as a gel, in which the penetration of water molecule occur. Employing with this proposed model, we investigate the development of water contents of articular cartilage under compression. The results show that the water contents is dependent on the material property of the chondrocyte and a lower stiffness of the chondrocyte leads to a remarkable localized distribution of the water content in the matrix.