ABSTRACT
To study the role of synovectomy in the treatment of rheumatoid knee joint and to compare the results of the study with those in the literature. The study involved 22 synovectomy of rheumatoid knees in 17 patients. The disease was staged according to Stein Brocker criteria. Patients in the stage 1, II and III were selected for surgery when there was no response to standard medical treatment. The average follow up was 13. 7 months. The final results were assessed using Ishikawa modification of Laurin et al criteria. The results were excellent in nine knees [40.9%], satisfactory in 10 [45.4%], unsatisfactory in one [4.5%] and poor in two [9.09%]. Pain and effusion were significantly reduced, while range of motion showed slight improvement. No significant complications, were reported. Synovectomy for rheumatoid knees proved to be effective in patients who failed medical treatment. The best results were in stage I and II disease. Poor results were encountered in patients with flexion deformity or unstable joint. Cooperation of patients to take early post operative exercise so as to prevent joint stiffness and to ensure good results is essential. Although few joints may show deterioration over the passage of time, the technique is without any major complications