Longitudinal Grooving of the Nails Caused by Synovial Lesions

IN 1942 Eliassow and Frank1contributed an excellent review of the literature on synovial lesions of the skin. They also demonstrated incontrovertibly the connection of the synovial lesions with adjacent joint cavities by aspirating a synovial lesion and then replacing the aspirated fluid with diodrast (Winthrop Chemical Company, Inc.; 3, 5-diiodo-4-pyridone-N-acetic acid and diethanolamine [35 per cent weight per volume] ). The roentgenogram taken immediately after the injection showed the contrast medium in the synovial lesion and in the adjacent joint itself. The authors offered the concept that synovial lesions of the skin were due to an escape of synovial fluid from the joint cavity. The genesis of synovial lesions has never been satisfactorily explained. Ormsby2suggested an arthritic diathesis. Jensen3offered the concept that the synovial lesions had their origin in embryonic arrests in the process of the development of periarticular tissue and synovial membranes. In 1937