Indications for synovectomy
Synovectomy may be indicated when florid overgrowth of synovium tissue occurs, either as a response to some inflammatory trigger like rheumatoid arthritis or when there is abnormal overgrowth of synovial tissue such as in synovial chondromatosis.
How is synovectomy performed?
Synovectomy may be performed either as an open procedure or arthroscopically (keyhole procedure). An open procedure is chosen if there is a very large amount of tissue to remove and ordinary instruments are used. If arthroscopy is indicated the tissue is usually ablated using a rotating burr or a less damaging radiofrequency wand, which appears to simply melt the tissue.
Complications of synovectomy
The two main complications are bleeding (haemarthrosis) or thermal damage to the synovium.
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