Dataset for: Vibrometry as a noncontact alternative to dynamic and viscoelastic mechanical testing in cartilage

Physiological loading of knee cartilage is highly dynamic and may
contribute to the progression of osteoarthritis. Thus, an understanding of
cartilage’s dynamic mechanical properties is crucial in cartilage
research. In this study, vibrometry was used as a fast (2 hours),
noncontact, and novel alternative to the slower (30 hours), traditional
mechanical and biochemical assays for characterization of cartilage from
the condyle, patella, trochlear groove, and meniscus. Finite-element
models predicted tissue resonant frequencies and bending modes, which
strongly correlated with experiments (R2=0.93). Vibrometry-based
viscoelastic properties significantly correlated with moduli from stress
relaxation and creep tests, with correlation strengths reaching up to
0.78. Loss modulus also strongly correlated with GAG content. Dynamic
properties measured by vibrometry significantly differed among various
knee cartilages, ranging between 6.1-56.4MPa. Interestingly, meniscus
viscoelastic properties suggest that contrary to common belief, it may
lack shock absorption abilities; instead, condylar hyaline cartilage may
be a better shock absorber. These data demonstrate for the first time that
vibrometry is a noncontact approach to dynamic mechanical characterization
of hyaline and fibrocartilage cartilage with concrete relationships to
standard quasistatic mechanical testing and biochemical composition. Thus,
with a single tool, vibrometry greatly facilitates meeting multiple
regulatory recommendations for mechanical characterization of cartilage
replacements.