Meniscus´ stiffness.

<p>Meniscus´ stiffness was calculated as the slope of the load-deformation curve.</p

MicroCT analysis of the equine meniscus.

<p>Meniscus samples were stained with phosphotungstic acid (PTA). The PTA stain allowed discriminating the superficial layer (SL) from the outer and inner deep layers of the meniscus based on lower staining intensity. Colour contours show the result of segmentation. Cross sectional area was largest for region C in the lateral and medial meniscus, while the thickness of the SL at both, the femoral and tibial surface, as well as the area of the axial tip of the SL was largest in region A for the lateral and medial meniscus. Yellow arrowheads and contour = SL at femoral surface; red arrowheads and contour = SL at tibial surface; green arrowheads and contour = outer meniscus contour; asterisk = axial tip of SL, double arrowheads = unstained regions of samples due to limited tissue penetration properties of PTA.</p

Age related changes of the equine meniscus´ biomechanical properties.

<p>Age related changes of the equine meniscus´ biomechanical properties.</p

Age and topographic differences in GAG content.

<p>Representative micrographs showing age related increase of GAG production (Alcian blue staining) in the SL, OL and IL (middle and abaxial zone) of a 1 year (y), 9y and 17y old horse (all pictures from lateral menisci, region B). Scale bars as depicted.</p

Equine meniscus´ biomechanical properties.

<p>Equine meniscus´ biomechanical properties.</p

Biomechanical testing device for determination of stiffness and energy loss.

<p>Equine Meniscus mounted onto a custom made, curved jig to apply uniaxial compressive forces for determination of stiffness and energy loss.</p