MECHANICS OF ANIMAL JOINTS

Recently, engineers interested in applying engineering methodologies to biological problems have addressed themselves to the study of animal joint mechanics. These investigations of the structural and functional pathologies of the synovial joints of the body are naturally suited to an engineering approach, since the primary function of animal joints is to enable the body to execute the basic mechanical task of motion. This presents some of the biofluid mechanical problems arising from the mechanics of joint motion. In order to accomplish this objective, one must digress and introduce some basic anatomical features of diarthroidal joints and some biorheological characteristics of two of the major joint tissues, i. e. articular cartilage and synovial fluid.