Synovectomy for rheumatoid arthritis: 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.
Why is a synovectomy for rheumatoid arthritis 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 does a synovectomy for rheumatoid arthritis work?
Synovectomy does not cure the disease. But it may relieve symptoms for a while.
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