Normal and prosthetic synovial joints are lubricated by surface-active phospholipid: a hypothesis

Much evidence supports the hypothesis that surface-active phospholipid (SAPL), which imparts the thin hydrophobic outermost lining to the normal articular surface, is the boundary lubricant reducing friction to remarkably low levels. We review this evidence and further hypothesize that SAPL produced in type B synoviocytes will also lubricate prostheses after implantation. This could explain why implanted hips display far less wear than hips in simulated wear trials do, even using protein as the lubricant whereas rougher surfaces can be tolerated in vivo. We introduce the concept that a deficiency of SAPL might explain the selective failure of prostheses just as osteoarthritic articular surfaces are deficient. This, in turn, leads to the replenishment of SAPL, as tested in OA, and the concept of prelubricating prostheses before implantation.