Development of reciprocating tribometer for testing synovial joint

Abstract

The painless movement is very important in active life; therefore, the right function of our synovial joints is necessary. The synovial joints can be injured during human life in several ways. When the synovial joint is too damaged, change for the artificial joint follows. The artificial joint does not have long lifetime; therefore, the operation of the damaged joint is usually postponed by medical treatments (viscosuplementation). Scientists have to understand lubrication and wear processes to postpone the operation of the artificial joint. There are too many unanswered questions in this field. However, recently this field of science is becoming very popular and the number of publications is increasing. This article is a presentation of a new tribometer for research in biotribologic field. The new tribometer will allow us to do research on lubrication of the human joint cartilage. We will be able to observe the cartilage-on-glass contact and visualize the lubrication film. We will also be able to measure friction coefficient during the experiments. This conception of tribometer does not exist among conventional suppliers.