Abstract
We reviewed 20 elbow synovectomies in 15 patients (2 males and 13 females) with rheumatoid arthritis, those follow-up period varied from 2.5 to 11 years (mean 6.2 years). The average age at the time of the operation was 50 years, ranging from 24 to 64. According to the classification of Steinbrocker, two elbow joints were stage I, four were stage II, and 14 were stage III.
Postoperatively pain was diminished in 18 elbow joints (90%) and swelling was reduced in 14 (70%). The mean range of motion was increased in all directions. There was no difference between the results of early and late synovectomies, however, the recurrence of swelling was observed in 6 patients among the late synovectomized group with uncontrolled high rheumatoid activity.
We concluded that synovectomy of the elbow is useful to relieve joint pain and gain the range of motion even for the elbow which have been destroyed. The results of synovectomy seem to depend on not only operative technique but also postoperative rheumatoid activity.
