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Home Knowledge Center Wellness Library Synovectomy for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Synovectomy for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Surgery Overview

Synovectomy surgery removes the inflamed joint tissue (synovium) that is causing unacceptable pain or is limiting your ability to function or your range of motion. Ligaments and other structures may be moved aside to access and remove the inflamed joint lining. The procedure may be done using arthroscopy.

What To Expect

What To Expect

As soon as possible after surgery, a physical therapist will teach you how and when to move the joint. What happens during recovery depends on the surgical technique used and the location of the incisions.

After knee synovectomy, your knee will be immobilized in a removable cast. You will start physical therapy after 1 or 2 days.

 Why It Is Done

Why It Is Done

Synovectomy may be used to treat joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis that have minimal bone or cartilage destruction when medicine has not relieved pain.

Synovectomy may be considered if significant pain persists after 6 to 12 months of drug treatment, including the use of disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs).

 How Well It Works

How Well It Works

Synovectomy does not cure the disease. But it may relieve symptoms for a while.

 Risks

Risks

Risks of synovectomy include the risks of surgery and using anesthesia and a slight risk of infection and bleeding inside the joint. You may also lose some range of motion of the joint. Or the inflammation in the joint may come back.

Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

Clinical Review Board
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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