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Multiscale Mechanics of Musculoskeletal Joints

My research is focused on using MRI to understand in-vivo knee meniscus mechanics as they relate to injury and surgical repair. The knee menisci play a critical role in transmitting axially loaded forces and mitigating excessive and detrimental stresses and strains on the underlying articular cartilage. When the meniscus is injured or torn, the tissue’s ability to transmit load is disrupted, leading to altered joint loading patterns and increasing the risk of developing osteoarthritis (OA). By quantifying how the meniscus moves and deforms in-vivo, we hope to develop post-operative rehabilitation protocols that leverage functional recovery with sufficient healing, and reduce one’s potential risk of developing OA in the future.

Peer Reviewed Publications

1. Zhang, H.*, Zou, X.*, Benson, J. M., Gao, H., Burris, D. L., Fox, J. M. & Jia, X. (2023). Modeling the maturation of the vocal fold lamina propria using a bioorthogonally tunable hydrogel platform. Advanced Healthcare Materials, 12(29), 2301701. *denotes equal contribution
2. George, O. J.*, Song, J.*, Benson, J. M., Burris, D. L., Fox, J. M. & Jia, X. (2022). Tunable Synthesis of Hydrogel Microfibers via Interfacial Tetrazine Ligation. Biomacromolecules, 10.1021/acs.biomac.2c00504 *denotes equal contribution
3. Voinier, S.*, Moore, A.C.*, Benson, J. M.*, Price, C., & Burris, D. L. (2022). The modes and competing rates of cartilage fluid loss and recovery. Acta Biomaterialia, 138, 390-397. *denotes equal contribution.
4. Kupratis, M. E., Gure, A. E., Benson, J. M., Ortved, K. F., Burris, D. L., & Price, C. (2022). Comparative Tribology II: Measurable biphasic tissue properties have predictable impacts on cartilage rehydration and lubricity. Acta Biomaterialia, 138, 375-389.
5. Benson, J. M., Kook, C., Voinier, S, Moore, A.C., Price, C., & Burris, D. L. (2020). Range-of-motion affects cartilage fluid load support: functional implications for prolonged inactivity. Osteoarthritis and Cartilage, 29(1): 134-142.
6. Boazak, E.G.M., Benson, J.M., & Auguste, D.T. (2017). R and Z-axis Patterned Scaffolds Mimic Tracheal Circumferential Compliance and Longitudinal Extensibility. ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering, 3(12), 3222-3229.
7. Finch, A. J.*, Benson, J. M.*, Donnelly, P. E., & Torzilli, P. A. (2017). Light absorptive properties of articular cartilage, ECM molecules, synovial fluid and photoinitiators as potential barriers to light-initiated polymer scaffolding procedures. Cartilage, 1947603517713815. *denotes equal contribution