Articular cartilage preservation and storage. II. Mechanical indentation testing of viable, stored articular cartilage.

Mature rabbit articular cartilage in the form of distal femoral condyles, composite osteoarticular structures, were incubated in the presence of alpha-tocopherol (200 micrograms/ml) over a period of time. Indentation testing and 35S uptake indicate preservation of sustained load carrying capacity and viability, respectively, in the presence of alpha-tocopherol for up to 30 days in organ culture. Condylar cartilage stored in the absence of alpha-tocopherol as well as frozen cartilage demonstrated progressive inability to resist sustained loading over time. Nonoptimal synthetic function apparently occurred in these latter two groups when compared to alpha-tocopherol stored material.