[Visco-elasticity and cell volume density of the patellar cartilage].

The elasticity of the joint surface was measured at defined points on a freshly removed patella which had no macroscopically apparent degenerative changes. The chondrocyte volume density of the stressed points was determined planimetrically. A correlation was found between the cell volume density and the viscoelastic properties of the joint cartilage, indicative of an increase in elasticity where the cell volume density was reduced. The mean chondrocyte volume under a defined joint surface was found to be almost constant, with varying cartilage thickness.