Synovial joints — 3

Abstract

It is seen that the theory of synovial nutrition of joint cartilages is defective, in that the manner and site of production of the synovial fluid are both uncertain. Nevertheless, it may still be asked how the fluid actually gets into the cartilage. Because of the importance of hyaluronate in the composition of synovia, and the central position accorded it as the substance which endows synovia with special mechanical properties, it might be expected that the mechanism of joint lubrication might give some indication of the relationship of joint mechanics to cartilage nutrition. Unfortunately joint lubrication is an unsolved problem, there being almost as many theories as there are investigators, and “all ably defended by impenetrable thickets of applied mathematics” (McCutchen 1967). Nevertheless, it is appropriate to consult the various hypotheses that have been put forward, bearing in mind that for present purposes the reference is to joint nutrition.