Arthroscopic Synovectomy in Hemophilic Arthropathy of the Knee

Five patients with chronic hemophilic arthropathy of the knee underwent arthroscopic synovectomies between June of 1980 and June of 1981. Four of the five patients have had no spontaneous bleeds and have had no recurrence of synovial hypertrophy. Two of these patients did have a trauma‐induced bleed. One patient, who did not have a posteromedial synovectomy, had a persistent posteromedial synovial hypertrophy which was the site of recurrent bleeds, requiring a repeat synovectomy. All patients obtained their preoperative range‐of‐motion, and only two patients required manipulation. No complications occurred as a result of these arthroscopic synovectomies. From this preliminary report, arthroscopic synovectomy in the hemophilic knee proved to be a safe and effective procedure.