1. The most obvious source of "wear particles" in human pathology must be the joints. Ferrography enables isolation of synovial fluid particles and an example of one believed to be cartilage is shown in Fig. 2. Particulate material was described by Ropes and Bauer in 1953,6 and since then the proposal that large numbers of fibrils in joint fluid signify extensive cartilage destruction7 has remained unchallenged. Lessons from metallurgy suggest that size and shape of particles may be at least as important as numbers. The use of joint replacements has increased the need to assess wear in human joints, both in terms of prosthesis lifespan and their effects on remaining human tissues. We would also suggest that ferrography may be used to prepare microscopic preparations of particulate material in bile or urine from
2. The most neglected differential diagnostic test in arthritis;Hollander, J.L.;Arthritis Rheum
3. Identification of collagen subtypes in synovial fluid sediments from arthritic patients;Cheung, H.S.; Ryan, L.M.; Kozin, F.; McCarty, D.J.;Am J Med,1980
4. Synovial fluid crystals;Dieppe, P.A.; Crocker, P.R.; Corke, C.F.; Doyle, D.V.; Huskisson, E.C.; Willoughby, D.A.;Q J Med,1979
5. A method for the study of wear particles in lubricating oil;Seifert, W.W.; Westcott, V.C.;Wear,1972