Arthroscopic synovectomy: a prospective study

Seven patients undergoing arthroscopic synovectomy for painful knee joint synovitis with marked synovial swelling were assessed preoperatively and up to 24 months postoperatively. Six patients had rheumatoid arthritis and one psoriatic arthritis. Patients were assessed for overall disease activity and indices of synovitis and function of the knees. There was minimal or no loss of function in the operated knee at one month. Subsequent improvement was reflected in reduction of pain on walking, pain on using steps, and swelling of the knee, with improvement occurring up to 6 months and maintained at 24 months. No sustained loss of movement was observed in the operated knee and all patients had improvement in knee flexion at 24 months. Patients universally regarded the procedure as worthwhile. These results highlight the lesser morbidity of arthroscopic synovectomy compared to that known to be associated with open synovectomy. Further study is required to evaluate the longterm value of this procedure.