Radiant Results: A Synovectomy Success Story
A synovectomy is a surgical process that removes the inflamed synovial membrane that lines the joints.
- Doctors frequently use this technique to treat joint inflammation caused by Rheumatoid arthritis, Osteoarthritis, and other inflammatory arthritis.
- Your synovial membrane may thicken and become inflammatory, resulting in pain, oedema, and stiffness in the afflicted joint.
- A synovectomy is an arthroscopic procedure for initial RA pain that shows no signs of improvement with medical treatment.
- Some surgeons believe that synovectomy can eventually cause inflammation to recur.
- The synovectomy procedure involves the removal of the synovium, which is the lining of a joint.
We know that synovium helps to lubricate the joints and also aids in the movement of the fluid.
- Synovium tissue also contains blood vessels, the prime cause of bleeding.
- Orthopedists remove this lining, which stops the bleeding.
- A synovectomy will help alleviate pain and improve movement.
- Orthopedists advocate joint synovectomy when you have continuous severe pain in joints.
- Medication or physical treatment is unlikely to heal these disorders.
 |
| Thriving Post-Synovectomy-A Patient's Joyful Journey |
Unveiling the Synovectomy Miracle
Doctors recommend synovectomy in the following conditions:
- RA affected Joints
- Persistent joint pain
- Juvenile chronic arthritis
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
- Joint trauma and infection
- Post-infectious monoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is a strict no-no for joint synovectomy treatments, as Osteoarthritis can lead to joint degeneration.
What are the Diagnostic studies before synovectomy procedures?
Your orthopaedic surgeon may evaluate your painful joint condition or the proper treatment, collect your medical history and perform a pathological examination.
Your doctor asks for diagnostic studies will also be carried out like:
- Your orthopedist will go for X-rays, and they require you to examine the joint bone components.
- A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan will provide images of both bone and soft tissues.
- Your surgeon will go for a CT scan to analyze the bone in more detail than is possible with a standard radiograph.
What happens during the synovectomy procedure?
- An orthopedist performs joint synovectomy as an arthroscopic surgery under general anaesthesia.
- Your doctor can perform surgery as an outpatient procedure.
- In open surgery, your orthopedist may make an incision in the affected joint.
- Your doctor will remove the lining with the help of scraping and cutting.
- Your doctor will use sutures to close incisions.
- Finally, your doctor will cover the procedure site with a dressing pad.
- Your doctor may perform arthroscopy, which is a minimally invasive surgical procedure.
They use an arthroscope, a small and soft flexible tube with a light and video camera at the end that is inserted into the joint to evaluate and treat the abnormalities.
- A few small incisions were made around the joint by the surgeon.
- The doctor inserts an arthroscope through one incision to inspect the inner part of the joint.
- Your doctor may use additional portals to put surgical equipment into the joint to remove the inflammatory synovium.
- Your surgeon can use sterile liquid to remove dirt.
- Your surgeon will remove the arthroscope and equipment after the procedure.
- After surgery, he will bandage your wounds.
The following are some of the advantages of arthroscopic synovectomy versus open synovectomy:
- Your incisions that are smaller and leave less scarring
- Your soft tissue trauma will be minimal.
- Your post-operative pain will minimize
- Your infection rate is lower.
- You will have a speedy recovery and healing.
What will be the care after the synovectomy procedure?
A patient may follow Post-surgical guidelines after a synovectomy,
- Your doctor will advise you to adequate rest.
- Your doctor will prescribe pain medications to help alleviate pain.
- You have to restrict the use of the affected joints. You must avoid lifting, carrying, twisting, pushing, or pulling.
- You will undergo rehabilitation after surgery to regain joint function.
You must follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding heat and cold modalities to help control pain and swelling.
What are the Risks and Complications of synovectomy procedures?
Risks and problems are inevitable with any operation.
You may carry some complications after a synovectomy, include
- Infection,
- haemorrhage
- nerve and blood vessel damage,
- damage to the bone surface, and
- No relief of symptoms.
The synovium can grow back and may require repeat surgery.
 |
| Happy patient after Synovectomy |
What are the methods of performing a synovectomy?
- Open synovectomy involves an incision over the affected joint to remove the synovial membrane.
- An arthroscopic synovectomy is a minimally invasive procedure in which a tiny camera and specialized instruments are inserted into the joint through small incisions to visualize and remove the inflamed synovial tissue.
- In Chemical synovectomy, instead of surgery, doctors inject medications like corticosteroids or radioactive substances into the joint to reduce inflammation and target the synovial tissue.
Why is a synovectomy performed?
- Surgeons perform synovectomy to alleviate pain and improve joint function in cases where the synovial membrane is causing persistent inflammation.
- It aims to reduce joint swelling, stiffness, and tenderness and can help slow the progression of inflammatory diseases.
1. Is synovectomy a frequent procedure?
No, synovectomy is not a frequent procedure, but surgeons perform it in cases of persistent synovial inflammation or when other treatments fail to provide relief.
2. Can synovectomy completely cure joint inflammation?
Synovectomy can significantly reduce inflammation in the joint, but it may not always completely cure it. However, it can provide long-term relief and improve joint function.
3. Are there any risks associated with synovectomy?
Like any surgical procedure, synovectomy carries certain risks, such as infection, bleeding, or damage to surrounding tissues. However, these risks are relatively low when performed by experienced surgeons.
4. How long does it take to recover from a synovectomy?
Recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the surgery and individual factors, but patients typically begin to notice improvements within a few weeks. Recovery may take several months, during which experts recommend physical therapy to aid in rehabilitation.
5. Can synovium grow back after a synovectomy?
Yes, the synovium can regenerate over time, and in some cases, it may require repeat surgery if inflammation recurs. However, with proper management and diligent follow-up care, patients can often decrease the likelihood of needing additional surgeries.
In conclusion, synovectomy addresses persistent synovial inflammation, primarily in joints affected by rheumatoid arthritis. Though not frequent, synovectomy offers several advantages, including:
- Reduction of inflammation and pain in the affected joint.
- Improvement in joint function and mobility.
- Potential to delay or avoid joint replacement surgery in some cases.
- Enhanced quality of life for individuals suffering from chronic joint inflammation.
Despite the risks and potential need for repeat surgeries, synovectomy can significantly benefit patients when performed by experienced surgeons and with comprehensive post-operative care.