Mechanical Stimulation of Cartilage Metabolism

Osteoarthritis, the major degenerative disease of the weight bearing joint surfaces, is present inof the population 50 years of age and older, and it is estimated that more than 37 million suffer frU.S. economy more than $8.6 billion/year. There is a need to develop new therapeutic approaches foracute traumatic joint injury. Therefore, the ability to enhance cartilage repair using a non-invasivthermal ultrasound) offers the potential to stimulate the healing of cartilage due to both degeneratacute traumatic joint injury. In addition, development of a well-defined mechanical input system whistimulation of mechanically sensitive tissues has important implications for musculoskeletal healingreaching implications for tissue healing in general.