Effect of arthroscopic synovectomy of knee joint on rheumatoid arthritis

Objective To assess the result of rheumatoid arthritis(RA) treated by the arthroscopic knee synovectomy.Methods Thirty-four cases of RA patients(53 knees) were treated by arthroscopic knee synovectomy.The total synovectomy and debridement using multi-portal approach were performed during the operation.Results Thirty-four patients were followed up for an average 31 months ranging from 24 to 35 months.Lysholm score increased from 40.6 pre-operatively to 75.4 post-operatively.HAQ score decreased from 11.6 pre-operatively to 9.5 post-operatively.ESR decreased from 57.2 pre-operatively to 24.9 post-operatively.CRP decreased from 116.9 mg/L preoperatively to 54.3 mg/L post-operatively.Modified Sharp score increased from 16.4 pre-operatively to 17.2 post-operatively.There were significant difference between pre-and post-operation for Lysholm score,HAQ score,ESR and CRP.There was no significant difference between pre-and post-operation for modified Sharp score.Conclusion For RA patients,Synovectomy of the knee joint can improve not only the knee function,but also the general symptoms.