VISCOMETRIC STUDIES OF PATHOLOGICAL HUMAN SYNOVIAL-FLUIDS

The viscosity characteristics of synovial fluid and the changes of this property with disease were investigated in an attempt to establish a more positive role for viscometry in the diagnosis and understanding of the pathogenesis of arthritis. Viscometric data on sixty-two synovial fluid samples, aspirated from hip and knee joints, were established over an 18 month period. Non-inflammatory fluids exhibited a higher viscosity and a more non-Newtonian flow behaviour than inflammatory fluids. To manage the graphical data produced, a power law equation was employed which generated two indices describing the viscometric behaviour of the fluid samples studied. These indices significantly correlated with disease category and thus are put forward as a basis for a possible diagnostic test. The flow behaviour index was found to reflect significantly the pain and stiffness experienced by patients suffering from osteoarthritis. The power law expression was applied to previous work by Ferguson J, Boyle JA and Nuki G (1969: Clin Sci 37, 739-750) highlighting its universal use as a possible diagnostic indicator for arthritic disease.