title: The influence of cartilage surface topography on fluid flow in the intra-articular gap.
abstract: Self-lubrication of a diarthrodial joint is largely attributed to interstitial fluid pressurisation. However, the retention of synovial fluid within the intra-articular gap may also contribute to lubrication. Fluid flow in the intra-articular gap between two micro-rough cartilage surfaces was simulated with a three-dimensional numerical model. Representative surface roughness parameters were incorporated and their relative influence on gap flow resistance was quantified. Resistance changes with decreasing gap height were explored. Cartilage surface micro-topography improves the retention of viscous synovial fluid in the gap, through increased resistance to tangential flow. Local asperity contact greatly increases resistance through tortuosity of the flow path.
authors.affiliation: a Institute for Biomechanics , ETH Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland.
authors.forename: Yabin
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.affiliation: a Institute for Biomechanics , ETH Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland.
authors.forename: Stephen J
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Ferguson
mesh_terms: D002358:Cartilage, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D019245:Compressive Strength; D045604:Extracellular Fluid / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D008153:Lubrication; D008962:Models, Theoretical; D011312:Pressure; D013499:Surface Properties; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000502:physiology*; D014783:Viscosity
keywords: CFD; Cartilage roughness; intra-articular gap flow; joint lubrication; synovial fluid