The pressure-viscosity characteristics of synovial fluid

Abstract

Samples of normal bovine synovial fluid were obtained from young cattle and pathological human synovial fluids from knee joints. The viscosity of synovial fluid appeared to be independent of pressure over the range tested. During activities other than walking, joints are frequently subjected to higher forces. This would probably increase the pressure within the synovial fluid. Thus, although the maximum pressure to which the fluid is subjected in the viscometer is higher than those quoted for the knee joint, pressures of this order may occur during some activities. The results for mineral oil, silicone fluids, synovial fluids and water are given. While there is significant increase in viscosity with pressure for the mineral oil and silicone fluid, the viscosity of synovial fluid appears to be independent of pressure.