THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF BIORHEOLOGY IN SOLVING PROBLEMS OF THE RHEUMATIC JOINT DISEASES

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 40  (5) , 199-204
Abstract
Rheological properties of synovial fluids from patients with different rheumatic diseases are discussed. Viscosities of 73 samples were determined and compared to a standard of healthy human synovial fluid p.m. and to bovine synovia. Typical differences between healthy, degenerative and inflammatory synovial fluids could discerned. These differences can be characterized by several rheological parameters. The mechanism of lubrication in joints and the role of synovial fluid as a lubricant are discussed. Rheological properties of polymere solutions which could serve as a substitute for sick synovial fluids are described and compared to the properties of healthy synovia. Several possibilities for molecular changes which could account for the deterioration of synovial fluids in patients with different rheumatic diseases are discussed.