Title: Mechano-Regulation of Skeletal Repair: Functional Characterization of Articular Cartilage Development

Speaker: Prof. Elise F. Morgan

From: Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Boston University Biomedical Engineering, Orthopedic Surgery, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA

Date/Time/Room: Tuesday, October 5, 2004 / 3:30 PM / 126 DeBartolo Hall

Host: Prof. Glen Niebur

Abstract: A primary obstacle in the treatment of injuries to joints such as the hip and knee is that articular cartilage, the smooth and resilient tissue that lines the joint surfaces, has limited natural capacity for repair. Progressive degradation and loss of articular cartilage are principal pathologic changes that occur in osteoarthritis, a joint disease that afflicts 10-15% of the world's population over 60 years of age. From an engineering perspective, articular cartilage is a functionally graded, three-component material with a coefficient of kinetic friction of ~0.005 and the ability to withstand loads as high as five times body weight. However, unlike traditional engineering materials, articular cartilage responds to its mechanical environment, resulting in changes in composition and morphology. Further, growing evidence indicates that mechanical cues such as local strains and pressures play an important role in the development, maintenance and repair of this tissue. Investigating the bi-directional relationship between structure and mechanical function is critical not only in understanding the progression of diseases such as osteoarthritis but also in studying the development and potential regeneration of articular cartilage. This talk will address an ongoing research effort to delineate the role of mechanical forces in stimulating the development of articular cartilage and to characterize the mechanical properties of the newly formed tissue. By considering the role of mechanical influences at organ, tissue and molecular levels, this work can provide insight into new strategies for the treatment and prevention of musculoskeletal disease.