Follow-up study of synovectomies of the knee joint in patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.

Synovectomies of the knee joint that were performed during the years 1960-65 at the Rheumatism Foundation Hospital because of rheumatoid arthritis have been re-examined after the lapse of 9.5 years in 156 patients and 202 knee joints and 110 non-operated knee joints of the same patients. Track of motion was helped both in synovectomized and in control knees. Deficiency of extension decreased only in the synovectomized knees; track of motion of the knee was improved by the operation. Swelling and pain appeared less often in operated than in control knees. The patient's own assessment of the operating results was good in 71% and poor in 12% of the cases. Radiological deterioration continued during the follow-up period both in the operated and in the control knees, though it was more severe in the latter. There is a distinct negative correlation between severity of disease and the patients's ability to work. Within the limits of this survey it is not possible to prove that synovectomy halts the radiological destruction of the knee joint; it is mainly a question of a measure that retards the rate of deterioration. One of the chief advantages of synovectomy of the knee is that it helps the patient to live a normal life and makes it possible for him to participate in working life.