Deformation of the articular cartilage and joint space of the human knee joint under static load.

In order to define the deformation of articular cartilage and the joint space under statically loaded knee joints, we studied serial sections in the frontal plane of knee joints which were frozen under the application of a load. Normal articular cartilage surfaces did not make contact even under loads of 100kg or more, leaving always a space between. The compressive deformation of articular cartilage mainly occurred at the central area near to the intercondylar notch or prominence, but the deformation of cartilage in the area covered by menisci was negligible.