The Inverse Thixotropic Behaviour of Synovial Fluid

A study was undertaken to examine the changes which occur in the viscosity of synovial fluid under conditions of applied shear. The study showed that synovial fluid exhibits the extraordinary property of inverse thixotropy or rheopexy. A rheopectic fluid's viscosity increases with increased duration of shear. The implications of this property on the study of the rheological properties of synovial fluid and the lubrication mechanism of synovial joints is considered.