Weight bearing surfaces
Within the joint there is articular cartilage that covers the bone inside the joint or within the synovial cavity. This cartilage will differ in biomechanical properties depending upon location. If the cartilage is located in an area of the joint that will be directly related to weight bearing then it is likely to be thicker, and more capable to resist concussive forces protecting the bone beneath. Thus if there is a lesion within the joint, and the cartilage in a weight bearing area is damaged, then the consequences are more serious than if the cartilage in a non weight bearing area have been damaged.