VISCOMETRIC STUDIES OF PATHOLOGICAL HUMAN SYNOVIAL-FLUIDS

The viscosity characteristics of synovial fluid and the changes of thi s property with disease were investigated in an attempt to establish a more positive role for viscometry in the diagnosis and understanding of the pathogenesis of arthritis. Viscometric data on sixty-two synovi al fluid samples, aspirated from hip and knee joints, were established over an 18 month period. Non-inflammatory fluids exhibited a higher v iscosity and a more non-Newtonian flow behaviour than inflammatory flu ids. To manage the graphical data produced, a power law equation was e mployed which generated two indices describing the viscometric behavio ur of the fluid samples studied. These indices significantly correlate d with disease category and thus are put forward as a basis for a poss ible diagnostic test. The flow behaviour index was found to reflect si gnificantly the pain and stiffness experienced by patients suffering f rom osteoarthritis. The power law expression was applied to previous w ork by Ferguson J, Boyle JA and Nuki G (1969: Clin Sci 37, 739-750) hi ghlighting its universal use as a possible diagnostic indicator for ar thritic disease.