[Tenosynovectomy in rheumatoid arthritis (author's transl)]

Tenosynovitis is much more frequent in RA than supposed. A comparative statistic of joint- and tenosynovectomy of the Clinic Wilhelm Schulthess is presented. It also proves the importance of flexor tendon involvement. From the patient's point of view the result is good in more than 95% 6 years in average after synovectomy. Recurrent synovitis is very rare in the extensor tendon. It may occur in the extensor carpi ulnaris. In the flexor compartement the symptoms disappear also in most instance. The reasons are discussed and figures given of our statistic.