Abstract
This report describes the results of elbow synovectomy on 14 elbow joints in 11 patients (four males and seven females) with advanced rheumatoid arthritis. The average age at the time of the operation was 55 years, ranging from 22 to 77. According to the standard classification of RA, three elbow joints were stage II and 11 were stage III. The follow-up period after surgery averaged 2.7 years (ranging from 3 months to 5.3 years).
Pain improved in 13 out of 14 (93%). Range of motion improved in 6 elbow joints (43%), depending on direction of movement. For instance, flexion improved more than extension. On the whole, satisfactory results were obtained in 84% of the patients.
At present, treatment of advanced elbow joint in RA is difficult. Total joint replacement is a promising method of treatment, but it is still developing. Our experience in synovectomy of the elbow joint is satisfactory, and we think that it is useful as an alternative surgery for advanced elbow joint in RA.
