RESUMO
To compare the outcomes of arthroscopic, radioactive and combined synovectomies in patients with chronic non-specific recurrent synovitis who did not respond to conservative therapy. Twenty-nine patients enrolled between 2007 and 2011 were divided into 3 groups: group 1 was treated with arthroscopy, group 2 received a radioactive drug and group 3 received a combined [radioactive and arthroscopic] Synovectomy. Treatment efficacy was evaluated by comparing pre- and post-operative Lysholm knee scores [LKS], night pain, resting pain, activity pain and effusions using visual analogue scales [VAS]. Patient satisfaction was assessed using the visual analogue patient satisfaction scale [VAPSS]. The mean age of the study participants was 41.5 +/- 5.2 years [range 14-76], and the mean follow-up period was 33.6 +/- 3.2 months [range 17-78]. Before treatment, the mean LKS was 41.4 +/- 3.4 in group 1,39.6 +/- 3.3 in group 2 and 37.1 +/- 4.6 in group 3. After treatment, the corresponding mean LKS were 77.7 +/- 2.1, 81.6 +/- 2.8 and 91.3 +/- 2.7 in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively; the increase was statistically significant [p < 0.05]. The VAS scores before and after treatment decreased significantly [p < 0.05]. The mean VAPSS score, a measure of patient satisfaction, was 5.1 +/- 1.7, 5.8 +/- 1.5 and 7.4 +/- 1.8 in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively, and the difference between groups 1 and 2 was not statistically significant, while that between group 3 and the other two groups was significant [p < 0.05]. This study showed that the three methods used in individuals with chronic non-specific recurrent synovitis were effective; however, arthroscopic Synovectomy in combination with radioactive Synovectomy was more effective than the other methods and superior in terms of patient satisfaction