Demonstration of boundary lubrication by synovial fluid.

An account is given of an oscillatory rotating friction measurement apparatus which can be used for demonstration of boundary lubrication by synovial fluid when rubber and glass are employed as rubbing surfaces. A technical description of the apparatus is given. The greatest importance is placed on getting the apparatus to demonstrate reproducible results when saline and normal bovine synovial fluid are used as lubricant. The greatest variations are caused by differences in the cleaning of the rubber and in its tension. On the basis of bovine synovial fluid from ten different hock joints investigations were made of individual variations and changes occurring during storage at 4 degrees C. The individual variations were found to be of no importance; a decrease in the lubricating effect was observed only after storage for two months. Addition of trypsin confirmed that boundary lubrication by synovial fluid can be related to the protein component. The conclusion is that the apparatus is considered suitable for clinical investigations of boundary lubrication in connection with different joint diseases.