This book summarizes the theoretical and experimental studies confirming the concept of the liquid-crystalline nature of boundary lubrication in synovial joints. It is shown that cholesteric liquid crystals in the synovial liquid play a significant role in the mechanism of intra-articular friction reduction. The results of structural, rheological and tribological research of the creation of artificial synovial liquids - containing cholesteric liquid crystals in natural synovial liquids - are described. These liquid crystals reproduce the lubrication properties of natural synovia and provide a high chondroprotective efficiency. They were tested in osteoarthritis models and in clinical practice.

Inhalt
Introduction.- Biomechanics of Joint Synovia.- Brief Review of Liquid Crystals.- Modern Concepts of Friction and Lubrication of Solids.- Modern Concepts of Friction, Wear and Lubrication of Joints.- Effect of Liquid Crystals on Biological Mechanisms of Reducing Joint Friction.- Liquid Crystals as Effective Preparations for Treatment of Joint and Similar Pathologies.- Conclusions.