Synovectomy and debridement of the knee in rheumatoid arthritis (a study of 60 knees)

Sixty knees in 46 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), Stages II and III, and severe to moderate synovitis were synovectomized and debrided, and observed for an average of 2.8 years. Improvement was noted in 73% of the knees. This figure diminished with longer followup due to recurrence of disease, development of valgus and varus deformities and involvement of hips. The results of knee surgery did not correlate with severity of disease. Some reduction in walking ability occurred as a result of progression of RA in joints other than the operated one(s).