Abstract
Thirty-two synovectomies of the elbow in 26 patients were followed up for at least 5 years, the average term of follow-up being 9 years, 3 months. The radial head was only conserved in 9 elbows. In 17 patients, the radial head was resected, and in 6 synovectomy was combined with radial head resection and the insertion of a silastic implant. The improvement in motion was slight in extension and in pronation, and evident in flexion and in supination. Pain was diminished in all except 4 elbows.
From these long-term results, it is suggested that synovectomy seems to be valuable in treating the rheumatoid elbow.
