Application of ferrography to the study of wear and arthritis in human joints

Modifications in the ferrographic technique now permit its application to the analysis of synovial fluids. Studies of synovial fluid aspirated from artificial joint replacements have confirmed the usefulness of ferrography in the analysis of wear in prosthetic devices in situ. With natural joints, ferrography appears to be a highly sensitive monitor of the erosion of intraarticular surfaces. In addition, it holds promise as a diagnostic tool, with the potential to shed new light on the pathophysiology of various forms of arthritis.