Synovectomy of the Knee in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Synovectomy was performed on 102 knees, (100 with rheumatoid and 2 psoriatic arthritis. The operation and post-operative management are described. Pain was relieved in all but 9 knees, 8 into 4 patients who were operated upon when the arthritis was highly active and of recent onset. Of the 89 knees followed for 6 mo., 18 lost movement, the amount exceeding 10[degree] in 8 of them. Improvement in function was common than deterioration 6 mon. after the operation.