Viscoelasticity of the articular cartilage surface in early osteoarthritis.
OBJECTIVE
Structural and biochemical changes in articular cartilage occur throughout the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA). Early changes include proteoglycan loss and collagen network disorganization at or near the articular surface. These changes accompany reductions in mechanical properties of cartilage, yet the relationships between mechanics and structure in early OA are poorly defined. Thus, the overall goal of this work was to measure changes in the microscale mechanics and structure of the articular surface in an in vivo model of OA to better understand the early pathogenesis of cartilage degeneration in this disease.


METHODS
A canine cranial cruciate ligament transection (CCL(x)) model was used. The contralateral joint served as an internal control (Ctl). The frequency dependence of the dynamic indentation modulus (E(∗)) was evaluated, and creep behavior was measured to estimate the instantaneous (E(i,inst)) and equilibrium (E(i,eq)) indentation moduli and longest creep time-constant (τ). These functional parameters were related to microscopic metrics of cartilage structure and biochemistry, measured by polarized light microscopy and digital densitometry of proteoglycan staining by safranin-O.


RESULTS
CCL(x) and Ctl cartilage exhibited frequency sensitivity. E(i,inst), E(i,eq), and τ were lower in CCL(x) vs Ctl cartilage. These mechanical changes were accompanied by a reduction in superficial zone thickness and changes in superficial zone collagen organization, as well as a non-significant reduction in superficial zone proteoglycan staining.


CONCLUSIONS
Changes in the microscale viscoelastic behavior of the cartilage surface are a functional hallmark of early OA that accompany significant changes to the microstructural organization of the collagenous extracellular matrix.
McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary, Canada. Electronic address: jedesroc@ucalgary.ca.
J
J
Desrochers
Director, Microscopy and Imaging Facility, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada. Electronic address: mamrein@ucalgary.ca.
M W
MW
Amrein
McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, University of Calgary, Canada; Director, Microscopy and Imaging Facility, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Canada. Electronic address: jmatyas@ucalgary.ca.
J R
JR
Matyas
D000818:Animals; D000070598:Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries; D001169:Arthritis, Experimental / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000503:physiopathology*; D004285:Dogs; D004548:Elasticity; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013499:Surface Properties; D014783:Viscosity