A NEW MODEL FOR SYNOVIAL JOINT LUBRICATION

A new approach to synovial joint lubrication is presented using Bingha m fluid as lubricant between the approaching porous cartilagenous surf aces. It is presumed that the thickness of the core formed, due to thi ckly concentrated hyaluronic acid molecules, increases as the surfaces come closer. This is due to the withdrawal of the base fluid through the boosted lubrication mechanism, leading to the formation of lubrica ting gel. This gel ultimately acts as boundary lubricant which prevent s cartilage-to-cartilage contacts very briefly during a gait cycle. Fo r most of the gait cycle, fluid film lubrication persists, and this fl uid supports greater loads which are due to the development of increas ed pressures as compared with viscous lubricants. Thus, normal joints possess an in-built mechanism to support greater loads, at the load-be aring joints, with less friction and wear.