[Influence of Synovial Fluid on Lubrication of Articular Cartilage in Vitro - A Review].

Articular cartilage possesses unique tribological properties that are essential to reduce friction and wear. Especially under boundary lubrication conditions, synovial fluid as a whole, and its components ("biolubricants"), are important in assuring near frictionless/contactless lubrication of the joint surfaces. Therefore, several in vitro tribological models have been developed in recent years to investigate possible interdependencies. The aim of this article is to give a cursory overview of the influence of synovial fluid and its components on boundary lubrication of articular cartilage surfaces in vitro.