Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Joint Lubrication Mechanisms

Weeping Lubrication

• Occurs at high loads
• Hydrostatic pressure > osmotic pressure
• Water squeezed from extracellular matrix
• Contributes to joint surface lubrication

Boundary Lubrication

• Occurs under low loads

Cartilage Loading Physiology

• Joint movement → increased internal hydrostatic pressure
• When hydrostatic pressure exceeds proteoglycan osmotic pressure
• Water expulsion from extracellular matrix occurs