Biotribology of meniscus degeneration: correlations between frictional, structural and compressive properties
- 1Institute of Orthopedic Research and Biomechanics, Center for Trauma Research, Ulm University Medical Center Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- 2Institute for Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, University Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- 3Department of Orthopedic Surgery, RKU, Ulm University Medical Center, Ulm, Germany
Abstract
IntroductionDespite extensive knowledge of how degeneration-related structural changes affect the compressive properties of the meniscus, the associated tribological changes remain poorly understood. Moreover, both functionalities have largely been investigated independently, leaving a knowledge gap regarding possible interrelationships. The aim of this study was to elucidate how alterations in meniscus biomechanical and structural properties affect the tissues tribological properties.MethodsHuman menisci with varying degrees of degeneration were collected from patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery. The compressive meniscus properties were determined using established indentation and compression tests, while the tribological properties were analyzed under simulated gait conditions. Macroscopic as well as microscopic degeneration was assessed by means of Pauli scoring and quantitative histology of glycosaminoglycan, collagen and proteoglycan-4 content. Statistically, linear mixed model analysis and Spearman correlation were applied.ResultsHigher macroscopic degeneration severity was associated with both increased friction (ρ = 0.30–0.32, p < 0.05) and reduced compressive stiffness (ρ = 0.30, p < 0.05). Increased friction coefficients were significantly associated with lower initial elastic properties (ρ = 0.30–0.42, p < 0.05) and higher viscoelastic relaxation behavior (ρ = 0.30–0.35, p < 0.05).DiscussionDegenerative changes in the meniscus manifest themselves in a coupled tribological-functional impairment. The interaction between altered friction and compressive properties could represent a mutually reinforcing, degeneration-promoting feedback loop. To prevent a potential function-driven vicious cycle, disease modifying therapies may target the meniscus’ dual functionality in gonarthrosis progression.
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BibTeX
@article{roy2026biotribology,
title = {{Biotribology of meniscus degeneration: correlations between frictional, structural and compressive properties}},
author = {Luisa de Roy and Zeynep Kara and Graciosa Quelhas Teixeira and Benjamin Mayer and Jonas Schwer and Martin Faschingbauer and Anita Ignatius and Andreas Martin Seitz},
journal = {Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.3389/fbioe.2026.1973631},
url = {https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2026.1973631},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Biotribology of meniscus degeneration: correlations between frictional, structural and compressive properties
AU - Luisa de Roy
AU - Zeynep Kara
AU - Graciosa Quelhas Teixeira
AU - Benjamin Mayer
AU - Jonas Schwer
AU - Martin Faschingbauer
AU - Anita Ignatius
AU - Andreas Martin Seitz
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/05
JO - Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
DO - 10.3389/fbioe.2026.1973631
UR - https://doi.org/10.3389/fbioe.2026.1973631
AB - IntroductionDespite extensive knowledge of how degeneration-related structural changes affect the compressive properties of the meniscus, the associated tribological changes remain poorly understood. Moreover, both functionalities have largely been investigated independently, leaving a knowledge gap regarding possible interrelationships. The aim of this study was to elucidate how alterations in meniscus biomechanical and structural properties affect the tissues tribological properties.MethodsHuman menisci with varying degrees of degeneration were collected from patients undergoing total knee replacement surgery. The compressive meniscus properties were determined using established indentation and compression tests, while the tribological properties were analyzed under simulated gait conditions. Macroscopic as well as microscopic degeneration was assessed by means of Pauli scoring and quantitative histology of glycosaminoglycan, collagen and proteoglycan-4 content. Statistically, linear mixed model analysis and Spearman correlation were applied.ResultsHigher macroscopic degeneration severity was associated with both increased friction (ρ = 0.30–0.32, p < 0.05) and reduced compressive stiffness (ρ = 0.30, p < 0.05). Increased friction coefficients were significantly associated with lower initial elastic properties (ρ = 0.30–0.42, p < 0.05) and higher viscoelastic relaxation behavior (ρ = 0.30–0.35, p < 0.05).DiscussionDegenerative changes in the meniscus manifest themselves in a coupled tribological-functional impairment. The interaction between altered friction and compressive properties could represent a mutually reinforcing, degeneration-promoting feedback loop. To prevent a potential function-driven vicious cycle, disease modifying therapies may target the meniscus’ dual functionality in gonarthrosis progression.
SN - 2296-4185
ER -