- Synovial joints, one of the most common types of joints between bones, are characterized by the presence of a cavity filled with viscous synovial fluid between the two joint bones.
- The molecules in the synovial fluid form a lubricating film on the layer of cartilage that covers the bone surface, thus helping to reduce friction between the joint or articular cartilage tissue.
Osteoarthritis involves irreparable degeneration of cartilage tissue at the synovial joint that is partly caused by changes in the composition of synovial fluid, but how these changes influence its lubricating properties is not understood.- Findings from a new study show how these changes in synovial fluid composition could influence its ability to form a thick, lubricating film on the articular cartilage tissue, potentially influencing the resistance to wear and tear of the joint.
Osteoarthritis is the most common joint disease in the United States, affecting an estimated
Studies suggest that changes in the composition of the synovial fluid reduce its ability to lubricate the articulating cartilage tissue, thus contributing to cartilage damage.
A new study published inBiointerphasessuggests that changes in the composition of the synovial fluid in osteoarthritis could hinder the ability of synovial fluid molecules to form a protective, lubricating film on the surface of articular cartilage tissue, contributing to the wear and tear of the cartilage.
Synovial joints are one of the three major types of joints. Unlike other joint types, synovial joints are characterized by the presence of a cavity filled with synovial fluid at the interface between the two articulating bones.
The surface of the bones that form a synovial joint is covered with a layer of cartilage. The presence of the synovial fluid at the joint reduces friction…
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