Open AccessSome Observations of Joint Effusions
Author(s) -
Palmer David G.,
Myers Donald B.
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
arthritis & rheumatism
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1529-0131
pISSN - 0004-3591
DOI - 10.1002/art.1780110604
Subject(s) - synovial fluid , effusion , hydrostatic pressure , oncotic pressure , hydrostatic equilibrium , joint (building) , osmotic pressure , capillary action , colloid , synovial membrane , chemistry , medicine , pathology , materials science , mechanics , surgery , arthritis , physics , composite material , quantum mechanics , architectural engineering , biochemistry , alternative medicine , albumin , engineering , osteoarthritis
A study has been made of some of the factors involved in the production of joint effusions. The intra‐articular hydrostatic pressure appeared to be the best measure of the disturbance in fluid balance across the damaged synovio‐capillary barrier. The colloidal osmotic pressures of the effusion fluids were not related to the intra‐articular hydrostatic pressures. There was a non‐linear relationship between the protein content and the colloidal osmotic pressure of the synovial fluids. The level of hydrostatic pressure and the nature of the intra‐articular fluid were of importance in promoting the passage of fluid from the joint cavity. Preliminary observations indicated that it should prove possible to relate some of the characteristics of an effusion to the histological appearances of the synovial membrane.