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Asperity lubrication in human joints

J Q Yao1, A Unsworth

  • 1School of Engineering and Computer Science, University of Durham.

Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers. Part H, Journal of Engineering in Medicine
|January 1, 1993
PubMed
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Human joint lubrication relies on synovial fluid to maintain fluid film lubrication under dynamic loads. Under static conditions or with watery lubricants, a mixed lubrication mechanism may occur.

Area of Science:

  • Biomechanics
  • Tribology
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Human joint lubrication is crucial for mobility and preventing wear.
  • Cartilaginous surfaces exhibit complex topography, including secondary and tertiary undulations.
  • Synovial fluid acts as a lubricant within the joint space.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate asperity lubrication in human joints, focusing on tertiary undulations.
  • To determine the effectiveness of fluid film lubrication under various physiological and pathological conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of asperity lubrication in human joints.
  • Modeling fluid film thickness under dynamic and quasi-static loading.
  • Consideration of normal synovial fluid, Ringer's solution, and pathological synovial fluids.

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Main Results:

  • Secondary waviness flattens to sustain a 0.1-0.3 micron fluid film under dynamic physiological loading.
  • Tertiary waviness sustains a thinner 10 nm fluid film with normal synovial fluid.
  • Film thickness decreases significantly with Ringer's solution, pathological fluids, or quasi-static loading.

Conclusions:

  • Fluid film lubrication is operative in human joints with normal synovial fluid under dynamic physiological loading.
  • Mixed lubrication may dominate under static loading or with low-viscosity lubricants.
  • Joint surface topography significantly influences lubrication mechanisms.