Abstract
We evaluated the clinical results of arthroscopic synovectomy of the knee joint for rheumatoid arthritis, and compared the results with the outcomes of open surgical capsulosynovectomy. Good results were obtained for the patients in the radiographically or arthroscopically early stage. Some cases in the late stage obtained good results, but arthroscopic synovectomy often has a limited effect in late-stage patients. It is very important to select the patients for arthroscopic synovectomy to maintain good results for more than 5 years.
Clinical results of arthroscopic synovectomy and open surgical capsulosynovectomy were almost the same, but radiological deterioration in the time course was worse in the patients after open surgical synovectomy. In addition, the open surgical patients suffered more complications, such as decrease in range of motion leading occasionally to a need for manipulation and prolonged hospital stay, and worse muscle atrophy than those treated arthroscopically. We conclude there is rarely any indication for surgical synovectomy of the knee for rheumatoid arthritis.
