Figure 1

Preparation of samples in regions covered and uncovered by menisci. A total of 12 osteochondral plugs were obtained from the medial and lateral tibial cartilages. Three plugs obtained from each region were used for mechanical analysis, histological analysis, scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis, determination of water content ratio, and micro-computed tomography (CT) analysis. The cartilage layer alone was used for mechanical analysis, histological analysis, SEM analysis, and water content analysis. The subchondral bone alone was used for micro-CT analysis. AC articular cartilage, SB subchondral bone.