The pattern of meniscus damage in the rheumatoid arthritis

Forty-seven knees with rheumatoid arthritis were synovectomized. The changes at the cartilage surface were always more grave when seen at the operation as was expected from the conventional X-rays. On the other hand degenerative changes of the menisci were more advanced than those in the cartilages. An important destructive factor was the almost constant pannus-filled erosion found at the upper corner of the tibia under the menisci. Thus, it is indicated to remove the menisci if they show a slightest degree of destruction.