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Exploring possible connections between tribology and osteoarthritis
Author(s) -
Furey Michael J.
Publication year - 1997
Publication title -
lubrication science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.632
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 1557-6833
pISSN - 0954-0075
DOI - 10.1002/ls.3010090304
Subject(s) - tribology , osteoarthritis , lubrication , synovial joint , degeneration (medical) , joint disease , cartilage , articular cartilage , joint (building) , arthritis , medicine , synovitis , materials science , anatomy , pathology , engineering , composite material , structural engineering , alternative medicine
This paper is part of a continuing study aimed at exploring possible connections between tribology and mechanisms of synovial joint lubrication and degeneration. In a separate paper, the focus was on the tribological behaviour of natural and ‘normal’ synovial joints. The central thrust or purpose of the present paper is to stimulate discussion of ‘abnormal’ joint behaviour, in particular, degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis, from the point of view of a tribologist, and in the light of our findings on cartilage wear. Some provocative questions are raised. For example, can a lack of ‘proper’ synovial joint lubrication or a specific biochemical ‘anti‐wear’ agent lead to degeneration of the joint or more rapid removal of articular cartilage? Does osteoarthritic articular cartilage have poorer resistance to wear than ‘normal’ cartilage? It is not argued that arthritis is a tribological problem. However, it would seem that tribological connections with degenerative joint disease — and possibly other forms of arthritis — are indeed possible, but complex.