Clinical course in patients with chronic undifferentiated arthritis of the elbow after arthroscopic synovectomy.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment can be considered for patients with undifferentiated arthritis (UA) limited to the elbow joint. The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic synovectomy. METHODS: Nineteen patients who underwent arthroscopic synovectomy for chronic UA of the elbow between 2006 and 2019 were enrolled in this study. One patient was excluded because of evidence of tuberculosis in the biopsy. Chronic UA of the elbow was defined as (1) localized synovitis diagnosed by magnetic resonance imaging, (2) no specific cause, and (3) no response to conservative treatment for >3 months. We compared baseline characteristics and clinical outcomes between the remission and disease progression groups. RESULTS: Postoperatively, synovitis was controlled in 13 patients. In 5 patients, the symptoms disappeared after surgery without any medical treatment. Four patients discontinued disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Nine patients were classified as in remission. The disease progression group had a longer symptom duration, elevated rheumatoid markers, and higher Larsen grading. However, the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic synovectomy achieved remission in approximately 47% of patients with chronic UA of the elbow. Although arthroscopic synovectomy did not prevent RA, it can be considered for rapid resolution of synovitis and diagnostic purposes.

[The role of arthroscopy in diagnostics and treatment of arthritis of the ankle joint]. / Stellenwert der Arthroskopie in Diagnostik und Therapie der Sprunggelenkarthrose.

The arthroscopic treatment of arthritis of the ankle joint is very limited and is only indicated for early stages of arthritis with impingement, strictly localized forms and more for young patients. The most important aim of arthroscopy is to improve the range of motion (ROM) of the ankle by removal of bony projections (dorsal and ventral) and an extensive synovectomy with debridement. In cases of narrowing of the joint space to less than 2 mm and/or malalignment, the indications for arthroscopy should be considered very cautiously. This is independent of the localization of the narrowing, especially if the complete joint is affected. If necessary, arthroscopy can then be carried out as an additional intervention in cases of conversion osteotomy in order to improve the ROM.

Arthroscopic Synovectomy of the Wrist in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review of the Current Literature.

BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of the wrist can lead to loss of wrist function and progressive joint destruction if inadequately treated. Arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist may prove a valuable treatment for local inflammation. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review evaluating functional outcomes and pain following arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist in RA patients. METHODS: A systematic review was performed according to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis) guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE, The Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched for studies describing pain or functional outcomes following arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist in RA patients (CRD42021270846). Risk of bias was assessed using the Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies. Data collection included patient characteristics, pain scores, wrist function questionnaires, secondary surgery, and complications. RESULTS: Six noncomparative cohort studies were included, with a total of 153 arthroscopic synovectomies. Disease duration of RA ranged from 32 to 89 months, and radiographic progression was mild to moderate. The Methodological Index for Non-Randomized Studies scores ranged from 8 to 10 out of 16. Mean follow-up ranged from 21 to 95 months. Improvements were seen in pooled mean visual analog scale pain score (from 7.7 to 2.2, p < 0.05), pooled mean Modified Mayo Wrist Score (from 43.3 to 70.4, p < 0.05), and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (from 67.5 to 36.5, p < 0.05). Two complications occurred, and 5 patients required secondary surgery. CONCLUSIONS: There is limited evidence suggesting that arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist improves wrist function and pain in patients with RA, with few complications. In centers with arthroscopic expertise, it can be considered as a treatment option.

Rhenium-188 radiosynovectomy for chronic haemophilic synovitis: Evaluation of its safety and efficacy in haemophilic patients.

INTRODUCTION: Radiocolloids labelled with less costly and more accessible radionuclides such as rhenium-188 are of interest to developing countries compared with those labelled with rhenium-186 and yttrium-90. AIM: This study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of radiosynovectomy using rhenium-188 in patients with chronic haemophilic synovitis and recurrent hemarthrosis. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental prospective study, 20 haemophilic patients were evaluated at preinjection, and at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after injection. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was done to measure synovial thickness and to calculate Denver score. Joint radiographs were taken to measure the Pettersson score. The Gilbert questionnaire, Functional Independence Score in Hemophilia (FISH) and visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain were completed, and the number of bleeding episodes and factor consumption were recorded at each follow-up visit. RESULTS: The number of bleeding episodes, the amount of factor consumption per month, VAS pain scores and synovial thickness decreased significantly over time (P < .05). Gilbert and FISH scores showed significant improvement (P < .001). However, Pettersson score and Denver score showed no significant changes after injection. Minor complications including temporary pain and swelling occurred in 20% of patients, and no major complication was observed after rhenium-188 injection. CONCLUSION: Our results indicated high clinical impact, efficacy, safety and low invasion of rhenium-188 in radiosynovectomy of haemophilic patients. Considering the availability and relatively low cost of rhenium-188 in developing countries, this can be a good treatment option for haemophilic patients with recurrent hemarthrosis, particularly when the synovial hypertrophy is not massive yet.

[The effect of arthroscopic synovectomy on refractory knee arthritis with popliteal cyst in 153 patients].

Objective: To investigate the efficacy of arthroscopic synovectomy on refractory knee arthritis complicated with popliteal cyst. Methods: Patients diagnosed as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or spondyloarthritis (SpA) with refractory knee arthritis who underwent knee arthroscopic synovectomy in our hospital from 2010 to 2017 were enrolled, including 20 patients (16 RA, 4 SpA) with popliteal cyst. Clinical data, RA disease activity score (DAS28), SpA back pain score, etc, were collected to evaluate the efficacy of knee surgery. Results: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) [58(17, 79)mm/1h vs. 19(9, 30)mm/1h, P< 0.001],C reactive protein (CRP) [3.72(0.92,8.14) mg/L vs. 0.85(0.10,3.08) mg/L,P<0.001], rheumatoid factor [64.6(20.2,193.3) vs. 20.5(10.0,58.4),P<0.001], DAS28 score(4.67±1.25 vs. 2.81±1.23,P<0.001), knee joint discomfort score [5(4,6) vs. 2(1,3),P<0.001] and the volume of knee joint effusion by ultrasound (P<0.05) in 95 RA patients were significantly decreased compared to those before operation. ESR [27(12,54)mm/1h vs. 20 (16,28) mm/1 h,P<0.001], CRP [3.27(1.06,6.95) mg/L vs. 1.41(0.34,3.03)mg/L,P<0.001],knee discomfort score [2(0,5) vs. 1(0,3),P<0.05], back pain visual analogue score (VAS) [5(4,5) vs. 2(1,3), P<0.001], and the volume of knee joint effusion by ultrasound (P<0.001) in 58 SpA patients were significantly lower than those before the operation.The rate [16.84%(16/95) vs. 6.32%(6/95),P=0.023] and grading (P=0.007) of popliteal cyst in RA were decreased after the operation. No statistically difference was observed in the rate [6.90% (4/58) vs. 5.17%(3/58), P=0.697] of popliteal cyst in patients with SpA, yet with a trend of decrease in 4 patients. Conclusion: This study provide evidence that knee arthroscopic synovectomy has a good effect for refractory knee arthritis, which can reduce disease activity, improve joint symptoms and decrease the grading of popliteal cyst.

Bone change after surgical treatment of mucous cyst at the interphalangeal joint of the great toe in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.

Digital mucous cysts are a type of benign cysts of the digits, typically located at the distal interphalangeal joints or in the proximal nail fold, which usually occur on the hands. The diagnosis of digital mucous cysts is relatively easy because of its light-transmitting property, but the treatment is often difficult because of complications including recurrence, infection, diminished range of motion, and nail deformity. We report a case of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) showing good course after surgical treatment of mucous cyst at the interphalangeal joint of the great toe. In a case of RA, combination of synovectomy with surgical treatment of mucous cyst might be effective.

Persistent cutaneous ulcers after Yttrium-90 synovectomy, an unusual complication: two case reports and a review of the literature.

Development of persistent deep cutaneous ulceration is a rare and serious complication of radiosynovectomy, an extended procedure used in the treatment of chronic synovitis. Cutaneous radiation necrosis is a rare complication of synovectomy, probably as a result of radiocolloid para-articular injection. This rare phenomenon should be suspected when an ulcer adjacent to an articulation appears several days or even months after a radiation synovectomy. It can turn into a challenging diagnosis for rheumatologists, orthopaedists and dermatologists, especially in those cases with a late development of the skin lesions. Recognition of this potential side effect is important in order to establish a proper therapeutic strategy and avoid unnecessary treatments. Surgical excision appears to be the treatment of choice. We report two patients with knee osteoarthritis treated with intra-articular injection of Yttrium-90 who developed persistent cutaneous ulcers secondary to radiation necrosis.

Anatomic relations between the lateral collateral ligament and the radial head: implications for arthroscopic resection of the synovial fold of the elbow.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the anatomic relationship between the radial head and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and when the LCL would be at risk of iatrogenic injury during arthroscopic resection of the synovial fold. METHODS: Thirty-four formalin-fixed upper extremities were dissected. A projection of the LCL onto the radial head was marked with a needle. The percentage of the posterior border of the radial head overlaid by the LCL was digitally measured. A portion of the projection of the LCL was statistically correlated with the overall diameter of the radial head. RESULTS: The overall diameter of the radial head was 21.2 mm ± 2.3. The proportionate projection of the medial border of the LCL onto the radial head was 5.3 ± 1.6 mm on average. The lateral 25 % of the radial head was overlaid by the LCL with a maximum value of 40 % on average. The inter- and intraobserver reliability showed very good accordance with the digital measurements (r > 0.8). CONCLUSION: Care must be taken when performing a resection in the lateral 40 % of the radial head, whereas resection in the medial 60 % of the radial head appears to be safe. The LCL is an important stabiliser of the elbow joint, a lesion of which by undeliberate arthroscopic dissection may lead to joint instability. Iatrogenic injury to the LCL presumably can be prevented when respecting the given data. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Experimental study.

[Synovial tumors and tumor-like lesions]. / Synoviale Tumoren und tumorähnliche Erkrankungen.

Synovial tumors comprise a variety of lesions, including those with benign and aggressive neoplastic changes as well as inflammatory causes. In this article we focus on neoplastic tumors. Synovial tumors with other etiologies, such as sarcoidosis, granuloma, synovitis, or gouty arthritis, are not dealt with here. Through a precise differentiation between these disease entities can an optimization of treatment be achieved.

Arthroscopic findings in melorheostosis.

Melorheostosis is a rare dysplastic bone formation disease that can also affect the joints. We present a case of a patient with knee pain that was radiographically diagnosed as melorheostosis because of "dripping wax" image. An exploratory arthroscopy was made. In the joint, we found hyperplasic synovial tissue and an increased retropatellar Hoffa pad, which was surrounding an intra-articular ossification resulting from the disease. This was removed and led to a clinical and functional improvement.

Synovial hemangioma of the hip joint in a pediatric patient.

Hemangiomas of the articular synovium are rare and commonly associated with recurrent joint swelling and painful limitation of motion. The knee joint is the most commonly involved site, with most patients diagnosed in the second to third decade of life. Although over 200 cases have been reported in the English-language medical literature, only three have originated within the hip joint, all of which were in adult patients reported in the surgical literature. We describe a histologically proven synovial hemangioma of the hip joint in a pediatric patient that invaded the femur, acetabulum, and adjacent soft tissues, with a detailed discussion of the differential diagnosis based on the radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings.

Synovial osteochondromatosis in the subacromial bursa mimicking calcific tendinitis: sonographic diagnosis.

Synovial osteochondromatosis is an idiopathic benign metaplasia of the synovial membrane rarely found in an extra-articular bursa. We describe the case of a 55-year-old woman with synovial osteochondromatosis in the subacromial bursa mimicking calcific tendinitis. Plain radiographs showed a radiopaque mass over the middle facet of the greater tuberosity, suggesting calcific tendinitis. Sonography, however, showed a loose body in the subacromial bursa, and no evidence of calcification inside the rotator cuff.

Development of rice bodies in 2 children younger than 3 years.

Rice bodies are synovial fluid nodules macroscopically resembling shiny white rice beans. They have been seen in synovial fluid from several types of inflammatory arthritis including tuberculosis, pyogenic arthritis, and juvenile idiopathic arthritis and adult rheumatoid arthritis. Microscopically, they consist of amorphous material, fibrin, and collagen. We report the rare cases of 2 children younger than 3 years with multiple rice body formations in the knee joints.

[Arthroscopic synovectomy for rheumatoid arthritis].

Even though the paradigm shift was occurred in treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), some patients are not well controlled with several treatments. Because arthroscopic techniques advanced remarkably, effectiveness of arthroscopic synovectomy is reconsidered, especially for residual synovitis in biologics unresponders. A combined therapy with biologics and arthroscopic synovectomy leads to improvement of composite measures such as DAS28. Arthroscopic synovectomy can be a powerful tool for the tight control in RA treatments. In addition with progressions of ultrasonography, ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia became popular recently. Using this technique, we can expand indication of surgical intervention even in patients with severe lung problems.

[Possibilities of arthroscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis].

Arthroscopy is a technique that can be used in rheumatoid arthritis, regarding for indications with diagnostic purposes--synovial membrane macroscore and biopsy with following histological examination. Changes in the synovium in rheumatoid arthritis are localized in the lateral and anterior parts of the knee, where hyperemia, rheumatoid pannus growth, hypertrophic clavate villus are often seen. It also can be used for therapeutic purposes--synovectomy in combination with flushing of the knee. After the arthroscopy with debridment in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, pain syndrome, swelling and the amount of effusion in the joint is significantly reduced or eliminated, amplitude of movements increases, functional activity of the limbs restores.

Treatment of Early Undifferentiated Chronic Monoarthritis of the Wrist by Arthroscopic Wrist Synovectomy Combined with Partial Denervation.

OBJECTIVE: Undifferentiated chronic monosecarthritis (UCMA) is a group of inflammatory joint diseases that has the potential to progress to other diseases and can seriously affect patients' quality of life. There is yet no unified consensus regarding treatment of UCMA. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of arthroscopic synovectomy combined with partial wrist denervation in treating Larsen 1-3 UCMA. METHODS: In this case series, we reviewed 14 patients with UCMA treated by arthroscopic synovectomy combined with partial denervation from February 2017 to June 2020. The mean duration of symptoms was 17.4 months (range, 4-60 months), and the mean follow-up was 13.3 months (range, 6-23 months). The anterior and posterior interosseous nerves were severed at the distal forearm, and the radiocarpal, midcarpal, and distal radial ulnar joint synovial membranes were arthroscopically resected at the wrist. The clinical evaluation indices included the visual analogue scale score (VAS) for pain, grip strength, range of (active) motion of the wrist, total active motion, and Mayo wrist score. Larsen's scoring method was used as the imaging evaluation index. RESULTS: At the last follow-up, significant clinical improvements were observed in the visual analogue scale (VAS) score for pain (6.0 (5.0-6.3) vs 1.0 (1.0-2.3), P = 0.001) and Mayo wrist score (42.1 ± 9.7 vs 61.8 ± 12.3, P < 0.0001). No significant changes were found in grip strength (15.9 ± 4.5 vs 16.6 ± 4.7, P = 0.230) or the flexion-extension arc (58.9 ± 39.0 vs 64.3 ± 36.5, P = 0.317), although the mean and median did show positive changes. Among the three patients who showed progress in imaging, there was no significant difference in their pain and functional scores compared to those who did not progress. One patient underwent total wrist fusion 17 months after the operation. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic wrist synovectomy combined with partial wrist denervation can provide sustained pain relief and functional recovery for patients with Larsen 1-3 UCMA.

Synovitis in hemophilia: preventing, detecting, and treating joint bleeds.

INTRODUCTION: Most bleeding events in individuals with hemophilia occur within the ankle, knee, and elbow joints. Should the bleeding persist, the synovial membrane starts to hypertrophy and a vicious cycle of chronic hemophilic synovitis (CHS) occurs, leading to joint destruction. AREAS COVERED: This article covers the prompt diagnosis of CHS by point-of-care ultrasonography (POC-US) and its treatment by means of several types of synovectomy. EXPERT OPINION: It is essential to prevent, detect and treat hemophilic synovitis, because it indicates that the joint has bled and is at risk of bleeding further. Prophylaxis with standard half life (SHL) factor VIII (FVIII) concentrate is the standard of care for individuals with severe hemophilia A and can also be considered for selected patients with moderate disease. Several years of real-world experience with extended half life (EHL) FVIII, emicizumab, and other drugs in development will be needed to ascertain their final effect on bleeding and its complications. We must look for synovitis in individuals declaring joint pain and in asymptomatic patients, and POC-US is the most reasonable imaging instrument with which to carry out periodic joint screening. Radiosynovectomy, chemical synovectomy, and arthroscopic synovectomy markedly reduce bleeding events.

Flexor tenosynovial fistulas in the palm.

PURPOSE: Tenosynovial fistulas in the palm are rare. If conservative treatment is unsuccessful, surgical treatment may include excision of the fistula and local flap coverage. In this article, I report 15 patients who were surgically treated for tenosynovial fistulas in the palm. METHODS: Between 1996 and 2009, I treated 15 patients for tenosynovial fistulas in the palm. There were 9 women and 6 men, with an average age of 42 years (range, 21-63 y). The index finger was involved in 5 patients, the long finger in 7, and the ring finger in 3. One patient had a fish fin injury, 6 had multiple surgeries for release of stenosing flexor tenosynovitis with intraoperative steroid injections, 1 had a pellet gun injury, and 7 had lacerations in the distal palm. Four patients had had unsuccessful closure of the fistula. All patients presented with a distal palm sinus draining clear frothy fluid. There were no signs of infection. Gram stains and cultures were negative. Smear and culture for Mycobacterium marinum were negative in the patient who had the fish fin injury. I tried conservative treatment in all patients for an average of 7 weeks. All patients were treated with excision of the sinus tract with partial resection of the A1 pulley and soft tissue coverage with a transposition flap. Pathological examination revealed epithelialization with nonspecific chronic inflammation. RESULTS: Postoperative follow-up averaged 59 months (range, 6-148 mo). All fistulas healed. Patients regained full range of motion and normal grip and pinch strength. One patient had transient tenderness of the scar for 3 months. There were no recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: Tenosynovial fistulas may develop after an injury to the flexor tendon sheath or following the use of steroids after release of trigger fingers recurring after an initial surgical release. Surgical treatment with excision of the fistula and local flap coverage yields excellent results. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Orthopaedic problems about the ankle in hemophilia.

Hemophilia is an inherited recessive, sex-linked bleeding disorder. The lack of sufficient coagulation factor VIII produces hemophilia A, and the lack of factor IX causes hemophilia B. The prevention and treatment of the disease requires intravenous infusion of the deficient factor. Hemophilic patients present with multiarticular joint degeneration (hemophilic arthropathy), secondary to recurrent hemarthroses. With the availability of deficient factors, hemophilic patients requiring elective ankle surgery can undergo such surgery with a high expectation of success. A thorough analysis of each case by a multidisciplinary team will increase the likelihood of successful surgical intervention in the hemophilic patient. Radiosynovectomy decreases both the frequency and the intensity of recurrent ankle bleeding episodes related to ankle synovitis. The general recommendation is that when 3 early consecutive radiosynovectomies (repeated every 6 months) fail to halt synovitis, arthroscopic synovectomy should be considered. For advanced hemophilic arthropathy of the ankle, the first alternative for treatment, in our opinion, is arthroscopic ankle debridement. In the most severe cases, we recommend either ankle arthrodesis or total ankle replacement. In every other case, we feel that the best therapy is prophylaxis and radiosynovectomy in order to avoid hemophilic synovitis and ankle arthropathy.

[Shoulder arthroplasty for primary synovial diseases]. / Schulterendoprothetik bei Primären Synovialkrankheiten.

Shoulder arthroplasty has become an essential component of the standard surgical repertoire for the treatment of severe primary and secondary glenohumeral arthritis and has been shown to provide reliable long-term pain relief with satisfactory functional results. In most cases, in particular in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the indications for arthroplasty are primarily based on pain, which often includes severe pain at rest. Despite poor bone stock and impaired soft tissue quality in RA which frequently results in massive, irreparable rotator cuff tears, shoulder arthroplasty has been shown to be an effective means of improving shoulder function. Several different types of prostheses are now available for different indications determined by age, functional demand, etiology and structural deficits. For optimal outcome, the most suitable type of prosthesis needs to be selected by an experienced shoulder surgeon who is familiar with the entire spectrum of treatment options.