Date palm thorn synovitis date palm thorns as cause of joint effusion

The date palm tree is common in the Sultanate of Oman and neighbouring Gulf countries and thorn prick injuries are often seen. We have reviewed the results of 24 cases of synovitis caused by date palm thorns, twenty-three cases involving the knee and one the ankle. Nineteen of the knee cases were treated by thorough irrigation of the joint with normal saline, but four required arthroscopic synovectomy. All made full recovery. In the treatment of palm thorn synovitis, we recommend irrigation of the joint as the first choice of treatment and reserve synovectomy for recurrent synovitis