The synovial fluid is a transparent electrolyte solution included in joints to provide lubrication helping the proper movement. It exhibits complex rheological properties due to the interaction among its constituents i.e. hyaluronic acid, albumin, lubricin and phospholipids. In degenerative osteoarthritis and inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis diseases, the quantity of synovial fluid and lubrication efficiency significantly deteriorates. In that case, viscosupplementation with intra-articular hyaluronic acid may be prescribed to replenish the concentration, the molecular weight and the rheological properties of natural synovial fluid. The present review concentrates on the recent advancements in viscosupplementation with emphasis into their rheological properties, its effects on the rheological behavior of synovial fluid, and finally its clinical effectiveness. Initially, the properties of synovial fluid are summarized, and then a discussion on commercial viscosupplements, the role of polymeric properties and their rheological properties are reviewed. Moreover, a detailed discussion on the clinical effectiveness and challenges of viscosupplements are provided.

滑液是关节中包含的透明电解质溶液，可提供润滑以帮助正确运动。由于它的成分，即透明质酸，白蛋白，lubricin和磷脂之间的相互作用，它具有复杂的流变特性。在退化性骨关节炎和炎性类风湿关节炎疾病中，滑液的量和润滑效率显着降低。在那种情况下，可以规定用关节内透明质酸补充粘液以补充天然滑液的浓度，分子量和流变性。本综述着重于粘稠补充剂的最新进展，重点是其流变性，对滑液流变性的影响，最后是其临床效果。首先，总结了滑液的特性，然后讨论了商业粘度，聚合物特性的作用及其流变特性的讨论。此外，提供了关于粘性补充剂的临床有效性和挑战的详细讨论。