[Possibilities for the biomechanical characterization of cartilage: a brief update].

The quantitative description of the biomechanical function of diarthrodial joint cartilage is a particularly challenging task due to the unique load bearing, load distribution and tribological properties of the tissue,which have their origin in the unique structure and biochemical composition. In the course of recent decades,different material models and testing methods have been published which claim to meet this challenge in one way or another. The goal of this paper is to provide an overview of the basic principles involved in the most important of these material models and testing methods. The relationship between the material models and the relevant testing methods will be illustrated in a comprehensible manner. As practical use of these methods is also associated with the amount of time required to perform them, particular attention will be paid to experimental approaches requiring only one test modality to be performed.