Arthroscopic synovectomy in management of chronic synovitis of the knee

ABSTRACT

Arthroscopic synovectomy was done for 23 knees in 21 patients during the period from February 1996 till January 1999. The age ranged from 16 to 54 years old with an average of 31.9 years. The aetiology was rheumatoid arthritis in 9 knees [7 patients], chondromatosis synvii in 2 knees, pigmented villonodular synovitis in 3 knees, chondrocalcinosis in one knee, tuberculous synovitis in 2 knees and post traumatic synovitis in 6 knees. The follow up period ranged from 6 to 38 months with an average of 18.34 months. Satisfactory results were obtained in 78.26% of cases. Arthroscopic synovectomy yielded satisfactory results as those published for open synovectomy but with less postoperative morbidity, with better functional capacity with more rapid return to activity with shorter hospital stay