Technique of synovial biopsy of metacarpophalangeal joints using the needle arthroscope.

We demonstrate the technique, advantages, and disadvantages of metacarpophalangeal joint examination with needle arthroscope. We evaluated our experience from biopsies of 10 metacarpophalangeal joints of eight rheumatoid women aged 41-45 years. The procedures were performed using a 1-mm needle arthroscope. The synovium biopsy was taken with a microforceps. The procedure was performed under local anesthesia. The tight tension of the joint and traction of the finger is necessary for good visualization, but despite this visibility can be difficult. Needle biopsy is a useful method for the early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis.