Visualization of Lubrication Film in Model of Synovial Joint

Abstract

Synovial joint is one of the most important parts for human movement system and the right function of it is necessary. When the synovial joint is damaged by illnesses, destroyed natural joint is exchanged for artificial joint. They are commonly used in nowadays, but there are problems with their limited lifetime. Alternative treatment procedures in surgery start appearing in order to postpone acute operation of total endoprosthesis. For proper operation of the alternative treatments lubrication processes have to be understood. The understanding of the lubrication processes can assist in the development of new suitable medical treatments. This study is focused on the visualization of the synovial joint contact and simultaneous measurement of the force effects. Experimental device represents model of synovial joint, which allows pin-on-plate reciprocating tribometer. The goal of this study is to describe the contact area behaviour and to relate it to force effects in the contact.