Objective To study the compression properties of normal articular cartilage. Methods 40 cylinder specimens were divided into A B C D groups randomly. Group A and B were used to measure stresses and strains of articular cartilage after one - minute compression by using two different micro - mechanical setups. Group C was used to measure changes of strains with time under static loading. Group D was used to measure changes of stresses with time under static strain compression. Results CD The instantaneous stress - strain curves were nonlinear and the difference between the elastic moduli of the two setups was statistically significant. (2) When articular cartilage compressed under static loading, strain increased with time and attained its maximum eventually. ￤hen articular cartilage compressed under static strain, stress decreased with time and attained equilibrium eventually. Conclusion Articular cartilage is a good viscoelastic material and has great elasticity and instantaneous anti- compression property. The instantaneous moduli measured with the above two setups are different.