Quantitative analysis of joint lubrication

A comprehensive theoretical analysis of the extent of elastohydrodynamic lubrication in human joints is presented. The analytical model is developed from existing experimental data on the geometry, loading, kinetics and elastic properties of the hip joint and the viscous properties of synovial fluid. Results of a computer-generated numerical solution of the lubrication equations are given which demonstrate that elastohydrodynamic lubrication does not persist within human joints. An alternative lubrication mechanism based on the information obtained from the analysis is discussed.