A review of knee joint synovectomy in rheumatoid arthritis with theoretical and technical considerations.

The general idea regarding knee joint synovectomy in rheumatoid arthritis and author's own surgical technique to fulfil this challenge is described. The protection of the extensor mechanism of the knee from surgical damage and the technique of removing as much rheumatoid inflammatory tissue from the joint as possible by combining it with meticulous debridement procedure are of primary importance. Postoperative management should vary depending on and preoperative findings in the joint operated upon. According to the author, these ideas and techniques could be applied to any other joint of a patient suffering from rheumatoid arthritis.