Application of arthroscopic synovectomy for the wrist in rheumatoid arthritis

To evaluate the curative effects of arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist in rheumatoid arthritis. Thirty seven RA patients (sixty one joints), which on their state Ⅰto Ⅲ according to the American Rheumatism Association 1987 rivised criteria for the classification of rheumatoid arthritis, were chosen for arthroscopic Synovectomy. Therapeutic criteria of the wrist in rheumatoid arthritis was used to evaluate the curative effects. The mean follow-up period was 28.6 months (range 6 to 48). All cases were diagnosed as RA by pathology and operated successfully without complications. According to the therapeutic criteria of the wrist in rheumatoid arthritis, 45 of the 61 wrists (73.8%) had good-to-excellent results. The curative effects of RA patients on their state Ⅰand Ⅱwere satisfactory, good-to-excellent results were accomplished in 70.6% and 86.1% respectively. [Conclusion] The results of this study show that the curative effects of arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist in rheumatoid arthritis on their state Ⅰand Ⅱ are satisfactory.