Stress relaxation behaviour of human meniscal tissue
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Behaviour of human meniscal tissue derived from osteoarthritic knees under confined compression
IRAS ID
224784
Contact name
Philip Riches
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Strathclyde
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 7 months, 15 days
Research summary
The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage within the knee joint which has numerous functions including load transmission and congruity of joint surfaces. The meniscus contains small amounts of a protein termed proteoglycan. The role played by proteoglycans within the meniscus is not fully understood. We have conducted experiments with cow meniscal tissue which demonstrate that proteoglycans influence the mechanical properties of the meniscus when it is subjected to compression. This influence is achieved via electrical charge on the proteoglycans.
We are now seeking to investigate whether this response also exists in human tissue. These menisci will be taken from patients undergoing total knee replacement. We intend to take small discs of meniscal tissue and undertake 'confined compression' experiments. In a confined compression experiment, the tissue is subjected to a load and then very accurate measurements of the tissue's relaxation are taken. These measurements, through mathematical modelling, allow calculation of various mechanical properties which describe the tissue. These properties, in turn, are used to generate computer models of the meniscus which are used in applications like development of new prostheses which might be used to replace the meniscus.
In our experiments, we plan to use solutions with a low and high concentration of electrical charge. A highly concentrated solution will negate the effects of proteoglycans, yielding different mechanical properties to those observed in low concentration solutions. This difference will provide a direct insight into the role of proteoglycans. We are also undertaking similar experiments on normal meniscal tissue taken from cadaveric specimens and these experiments will allow us to establish whether there is any difference between normal menisci and those from arthritic joints.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
17/WS/0098
Date of REC Opinion
17 May 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion