synovectomy for rheumatoid arthritis
surgery overview
synovectomy surgery removes the 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
as soon as possible after surgery, a physiotherapist will teach you how and when to move the joint. what happens during recovery depends on the surgical technique used and the location of the incisions.
after knee synovectomy, your knee will be immobilized in a removable cast. you will start physiotherapy after 1 or 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 for a while.
risks
risks of synovectomy include the risks of surgery and using anesthesia and a slight risk of infection and bleeding inside the joint. you may also lose some range of motion of the joint. or the inflammation in the joint may come back.
credits
current as of: july 17, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
current as of: july 17, 2023
author: healthwise staff
clinical review board
all healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
