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Revolutionizing Knee Care: Arthroscopic Synovectomy
Published: Jan 03, 2024
Arthroscopic synovectomy is changing how we treat knee arthritis, offering effective relief with less recovery time. Discover how this innovative therapy can help manage your knee pain.
What is Arthroscopic Synovectomy?
Arthroscopic synovectomy is a minimally invasive procedure that removes inflamed joint lining through small incisions. This technique reduces pain and swelling while preserving knee function. It's often performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing for quicker recovery.
Benefits Over Traditional Surgery
Compared to open synovectomy, arthroscopic methods offer numerous advantages. Patients experience less pain, reduced recovery time, and lower costs. The risk of infection is also minimized, making it a safer choice for many patients.
Ideal Candidates for Arthroscopic Synovectomy
This therapy is best suited for patients with persistent knee synovitis who haven't responded to medication. It's particularly effective for rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions. Patients with minimal joint degeneration see the most benefit from this approach.
The Procedure Explained
During arthroscopic synovectomy, a camera and specialized tools are inserted into the knee through small incisions. The surgeon carefully removes the inflamed synovium, using a suction shaver to ensure thorough cleaning. The procedure is typically performed under general or spinal anesthesia.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a minimally invasive procedure to remove inflamed knee joint lining.
It offers less pain, quicker recovery, and lower costs with reduced infection risk.
Patients with knee synovitis unresponsive to medication and minimal joint damage benefit most.
A camera and tools are used to remove the inflamed synovium via small incisions.
Yes, most patients can go home the same day after arthroscopic synovectomy.
The Bottom Line
Arthroscopic synovectomy offers a promising solution for knee arthritis, combining effectiveness with convenience.
References
- Ogilvie-Harris DJ, Weisleder L. Arthroscopic synovectomy of the knee: is it helpful? Arthroscopy 1995; 11:91.
- Takagi T, Koshino T, Okamoto R. Arthroscopic synovectomy for rheumatoid arthritis using a holmium:YAG laser. J Rheumatol 2001; 28:1518.
- Jacob R, Smith T, Prakasha B, Joannides T. Yttrium90 synovectomy in the management of chronic knee arthritis: a single institution experience. Rheumatol Int 2003; 23:216.
- Jahangier ZN, Jacobs JW, Lafeber FP, et al. Is radiation synovectomy for arthritis of the knee more effective than intraarticular treatment with glucocorticoids? Arthritis Rheum 2005; 52:3391.
- Slobodin G, Rosner I, Boulman N, Rozenbaum M. Osmic acid synovectomy in the era of biologics. Rheumatol Int 2008; 28:303.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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