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.

Summarizes investigations and tribological approaches on the low-friction mechanism of synovial joints Discloses the role of cholesteric liquid crystals in high lubricating and chondroprotective action Explains the development of intra- and extra-articular medicaments for treatment of synovial joints Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

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.