Fig. 4.

The mechanical support to the cartilage. (A) Effects of parameters such as trabecular bone volume fraction, subchondral bone plate thickness, and equilibrium modulus on osteochondral unit mechanics. Reproduced with permission [63]. Copyright 2022, Elsevier. (B) Schematic representation of the intricate interplay between stiffness and chondrogenesis, and how their responses differ in the presence and absence of plasma clots in vitro and in vivo. Reproduced with permission Reproduced with permission [67]. Copyright 2016, Elsevier. (C) The phenotype of chondrocytes is influenced by hydrogel stress relaxation, which occurs when the hydrogel resists volume change. This resistance ultimately limits the expansion of chondrocytes and the cartilage matrix formation. Reproduced with permission [71]. Copyright 2017, Springer Nature.