CHAPTER 5: Physical Properties of Cartilage by Relaxation Anisotropy

Articular cartilage exhibits complex structural and compositional anisotropy. The anisotropy and arrangement of the collagen network, concentration of proteoglycan aggregates and water content vary as functions of cartilage depth in healthy, adult cartilage. Furthermore, these tissue properties are altered in cartilage maturation and degeneration alike. Relaxation anisotropy occurs widely in cartilage tissue and manifests itself directly in different relaxation parameters. This chapter summarizes the association between anisotropic physical properties of cartilage and the most important relaxation parameters.