Surgery Overview
Synovectomy surgery is done to remove inflamed joint tissue (synovium) that is causing unacceptable pain or is limiting your ability to function or your range of motion. Ligaments and other structures may be moved aside to access and remove the inflamed joint lining. The procedure may be done using arthroscopy.
What To Expect After Surgery
As soon as possible after surgery, a physiotherapist will teach you how and when to move the joint. Recovery depends on the surgical technique used and the location of the incisions.
Following knee synovectomy, your knee will be immobilized in a removable cast. And physiotherapy is started after 1 to 2 days.
Why It Is Done
Synovectomy may be used to treat joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis that have minimal bone or cartilage destruction when medicine has not relieved pain.
Synovectomy may be considered if significant pain persists after 6 to 12 months of drug treatment, including the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).
How Well It Works
Synovectomy does not cure the disease. But it may relieve symptoms temporarily.footnote 1
Risks
Risks of synovectomy include the risks of surgery and using anesthesia and a slight risk of infection and bleeding within the joint.
There may also be a loss in the range of motion of the joint, or the inflammation in the joint may return.
What To Think About
Synovectomy is a useful treatment option for early rheumatoid arthritis that has not improved with medicine, including DMARDs or corticosteroid injections. It may provide only temporary relief.
Credits
Current as of:
August 5, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:
Anne C. Poinier MD - Internal Medicine
Donald Sproule MDCM, CCFP - Family Medicine
Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine
Nancy Ann Shadick MD, MPH - Internal Medicine, Rheumatology
