[Determining the optimal time for synovectomy in rheumatoid arthritis of the knee joint]

In 108 patients with rheumatoid arthritis in whom before 4 years synovectomy of the knee joint was performed the relationship between the clinical state and selected indices of inflammatory process was studied. The clinical state of patients was evaluated using modified Gschwend test. Using the Mahalanobis D2 test no relationships between the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, Waaler-Rose test results, and seromucoid level during pre-surgery period on one side and the actual clinical state of patients were stated. According to the authors opinion the decision concerning the surgical treatment should be based solely on clinical state of patients and not on indices of inflammatory process.