What is the meaning of synovectomy?

What is a synovectomy? A synovectomy is a surgical procedure used to treat synovitis and some other conditions that affect the synovium, a thin membrane that lines the inside of certain joints (called “synovial joints”), such as your knee, shoulder or elbow. In a synovectomy procedure, much of the synovium is removed.

Why is a synovectomy done?

Synovectomy is a procedure where the synovial tissue surrounding a joint is removed. This procedure is typically recommended to provide relief from a condition in which the synovial membrane or the joint lining becomes inflamed and irritated and is not controlled by medication alone.

Does synovium grow back after synovectomy?

1. Synovial membrane does regenerate after typical synovectomy. 2. The regenerated pouch closely simulates the normal in size, contour, histological structure and function.

What does synovitis mean?

(SIH-noh-VY-tis) Inflammation (swelling, pain, and warmth) of a synovial membrane, which is a layer of connective tissue that lines a joint, such as the hip, knee, ankle, or shoulder. Synovitis is caused by some types of arthritis and other diseases.

Is synovectomy major surgery?

Knee Arthroscopy, Major Synovectomy Two or More Components

Arthroscopic synovectomy is perfomred to remove the inflamed joint tissue that is causing unacceptable pain or limited function of the knee. Major synovectomy involves surgery on two or more compartments of the knee.

How long is recovery from synovectomy?

Generally, full normal stressful activities and sports are resumed after 3-6 weeks. During this time frame, more stressful activities may be engaged as tolerated.

What is the most common cause of synovitis?

Sometimes, synovitis is caused by structural damage in the affected area. This can include things like articular cartilage damage, a labrum tear, or a tear in the ligamentum teres. Other times, synovitis can be caused by diseases that affect the synovium.

What is the difference between arthritis and synovitis?

But there is a difference between synovitis and arthritis. Synovitis describes prominent joint inflammation in which the most dramatic inflammation is of the synovium. This is a thin layer of cells that lines our joints. Some types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, cause little if any synovial inflammation.

What diseases can cause synovitis?

Synovitis is a major problem in rheumatoid arthritis, in juvenile arthritis, in lupus, and in psoriatic arthritis. It may also be associated with rheumatic fever, tuberculosis, trauma, or gout.

What happens after synovectomy?

The possible complications following synovectomy include: infection, bleeding, nerve and blood vessel damage, damage to bone surface, and no relief of symptoms. Synovium can grow back and may require repeat surgery.

What causes synovitis?

In an active, healthy person, the most common cause of synovitis is overuse of the joint, for example in athletes or people whose jobs involve repetitive stress movement such as lifting or squatting. However, synovitis is also common in people who have some form of inflammatory arthritis.

What is the purpose of a synovectomy when treating rheumatoid arthritis?

Synovectomy surgery removes the inflamed joint tissue (synovium) that is causing unacceptable pain or is limiting your ability to function or your range of motion. Ligaments and other structures may be moved aside to access and remove the inflamed joint lining. The procedure may be done using arthroscopy.

What are symptoms of synovitis?

The main symptom of synovitis is joint pain, accompanied by warmth, swelling, and stiffness that’s worse in the morning. You may feel synovitis symptoms in different joints at different times.

What is the difference between arthritis and synovitis?

But there is a difference between synovitis and arthritis. Synovitis describes prominent joint inflammation in which the most dramatic inflammation is of the synovium. This is a thin layer of cells that lines our joints. Some types of arthritis, such as osteoarthritis, cause little if any synovial inflammation.

Does synovitis ever go away?

Synovitis can go away on its own, but if the symptoms linger, treatment may be necessary. Treatment for synovitis depends on the underlying cause. In most cases, treatments are geared to decrease inflammation, lessen swelling, and manage pain.

What autoimmune disease causes synovitis?

Lupus: An autoimmune disease that causes the body to attack itself and destroy otherwise healthy tissues. Rheumatic fever: Some untreated streptococcal infections—like scarlet fever or strep throat—may trigger synovitis.

How is a synovectomy performed?

Synovectomy may be performed either as an open surgical procedure or with the aid of arthroscopy, in which the orthopedic surgeon uses miniaturized instruments, fiberoptic technology, and a tiny camera inserted through very small incisions in the skin.

Can synovitis be seen on xray?

Radiographs show typical findings such as soft-tissue swelling, marginal erosions, periarticular osteopenia, joint space narrowing, and joint subluxation. Besides bone alterations, this imaging modality is unable to display synovitis at an early stage.