OBJECTIVE: To document the occurrence of chronic massive knee effusions in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). PATIENTS: Three cases of chronic massive knee effusion of young FMF patients requiring open synovectomy are presented. RESULTS: Open synovectomy necessitated protracted rehabilitation, eventually with good results. CONCLUSIONS: FMF should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic massive knee effusion. Early diagnosis and daily colchicine treatment generally result in a good clinical outcome and may eliminate the need for open synovectomy in favor of arthroscopic surgery.
OBJECTIVE: To document the occurrence of chronic massive knee effusions in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF). PATIENTS: Three cases of chronic massive knee effusion of young FMFpatients requiring open synovectomy are presented. RESULTS: Open synovectomy necessitated protracted rehabilitation, eventually with good results. CONCLUSIONS:FMF should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic massive knee effusion. Early diagnosis and daily colchicine treatment generally result in a good clinical outcome and may eliminate the need for open synovectomy in favor of arthroscopic surgery.