Poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels for synthetic articular cartilage material

Abstract As part of a program to develop a synthetic articular cartilage material for use in reconstructive joint surgery, this paper is concerned with the desiderata for such a material and with the properties of poly (vinyl alcohol) hydrogels reinforced by crystallinity as developed for this purpose. Reference is further made to the ultimate preparation of cationic PVA hydrogels to provide the low‐friction lubrication necessary in a cartilage prosthesis when in contact with natural synovial fluid.