Abstract
Using a Weissenberg rheogoniometer the steady shear flow properties of a series of synovial fluids from patients suffering from various forms of arthritis were examined. Clear differences in flow behavior were detected. In certain cases peak stresses were encountered in both the tangential and normal directions at the onset of shearing. Joint stiffness in anyone patient and hyaluronic acid/protein complex concentration were found to correlate with viscosity. Rheumatoid factors and antinuclear factors did not. Synovial fluid flow behavior showed no sign of circadian changes.
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