Effect of interface mechanical discontinuities on scaffold-cartilage integration

摘要: A consistent lack of lateral integration between scaffolds and adjacent articular cartilage has been exhibited in vitro vivo. Given the mismatch mechanical properties cartilage, discontinuity that occurs at interface implicated as a key factor, but remains inadequately studied. Our objective was to investigate how environment within mechanically loaded scaffold-cartilage construct might affect integration. We hypothesized magnitude would be related decreased To test this hypothesis, chondrocyte seeded were embedded into explants, pre-cultured for 14 days, then 28 days either 1N or 6N applied load. Constructs kept peripherally confined unconfined throughout duration experiment. Stress, strain, fluid flow, relative displacements cartilage-scaffold scaffold quantified using biphasic, inhomogeneous finite element models (bFEMs). The bFEMs indicated compressive shear stress discontinuities occurred groups. strength GAG content higher radially Multivariate regression analyses identified prior commencement loading flow main factors associated with study suggests minimum level is needed loading, although exact threshold yet identified. © 2019 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res.