Abstract
This study delves into the mechanical properties and damage mechanisms of the meniscus, particularly focusing on the behavior of its collagen fibers. Understanding these aspects is pivotal for developing effective treatments and preventive strategies for meniscal injuries, which can jeopardize joint function and lead to osteoarthritis. Porcine menisci were precisely sectioned into approximately 0.5mm thick samples and oriented either circumferentially or radially. Subsequently, these samples underwent mechanical testing using a displacement-controlled apparatus. Stress-strain curves were meticulously developed to analyze the tissue's response to mechanical loading.
For computational modeling, the meniscus was represented as a biphasic coupled transversely isotropic Veronda-Westmann material. Through curve-fitting of model parameters to the experimental data, the fiber coefficients were optimized to accurately reflect observed mechanical behavior. Model verification was accomplished using custom image processing techniques, revealing a high correlation with experimental data, with an R² value surpassing 0.95 for samples. Additionally, the optimized fiber coefficients in the model were consistent with results obtained from circumferential experimental samples.
These findings underscore the potential of our adapted computational model as a valuable tool for characterizing the mechanical behavior of the meniscus under diverse loading conditions. This model holds promise in guiding the development of tissue-engineered constructs and informing novel treatment strategies for meniscal injuries, thereby contributing to enhanced outcomes in joint health and function