Deformations of the articular cartilage of the head of femur and humerus under mechanical stress

Summary

The authors have made comparative biomechanical tests with the articular surface of load bearing heads of femora and heads of humeri bearing no load. They studied the elastic and permanent deformations of the articular cartilage under mechanical stress, by using an “Instron” tensile strength machine. They conclude that at first the degree of elastic deformation exceeds that of permanent deformation but increasing the load permanent deformation becomes more prominent. The elasticity and deformative capacity of a load bearing joint is higher than that of a joint bearing no load.