While no differences were observed in cartilage properties between the left and right legs, differences between compartments were found in each set of specimens. For cartilage from the adolescent group, values for aggregate modulus were 40 % less in the medial compartment compared to the lateral compartment, while values for permeability and thickness were greater in the medial compartment compared to the lateral compartment (57 % and 30 % , respectively). Values for Poisson's ratio were 19 % less in the medial compartment compared to the lateral compartment. There was also a strong trend for thickness to differ between test locations.
Similar findings were observed for cartilage from the mature group with values for permeability and thickness being greater in the medial compartment compared to the lateral compartment (66 % and 34 % , respectively). Values for Poisson's ratio were 22 % less in the medial compartment compared to the lateral compartment.