Synovial fluids are complex fluids responsible for the exceptional lubrication present in synovial joints. These fluids consist of various constituents, including hyaluronic acid, surface-active proteins (i.e., lubricin), surface-active phospholipids, as well as various other proteins such as human serum albumin and γ -globulin seric proteins, each of them playing an essential role in lubrication. Being the key to the most efficient biotribological systems, this article is intended to review the current understanding of the underlying lubrication mechanisms of the synovial fluids enables prospective usage in numerous applications, especially as a lubricant for hip and knee prosthetics in combatting osteoarthritis. Current research focuses on the determination of the role of proteins in prosthetic lubrication, optimal material combinations for prosthesis, and the effects of relevant physical variables in prosthetic lubrication. The characterization of prosthetic lubrication and wear mechanisms by synovial fluids represents a prominent challenge in tribological research, yet also an important hurdle to overcome towards optimal lubrication of articular prosthetics.
Keywords: Biotribology; Hip replacement; Knee replacement; Lubrication; Synovial fluid; Synovial joint.
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