Osteoarthritis as an inevitable consequence of the structure of articular cartilage

Abstract 

The hypothesis that osteoarthritis is an inevitable consequence of the structure of articular cartilage is proposed. Cartilage structure is viewed as an evolutionary solution to the optimization of articular cartilage function. A simplified model of the structural elements and constraints will be used to illustrate how the hypothesis leads to a mathematical solution and then a more realistic situation will be described, but not optimized rigorously. The goal for finding a solution will be to optimize the function of articular cartilage subject to the constraints of a biological tissue. In comparison, the structure of genuine articular cartilage will be discussed in the context of an optimal solution to the functional problem and, particularly, in relation to the disease of osteoarthritis.