Overview

Synovectomy is a surgical procedure involving removing or reducing the synovial membrane, which lines the joints. It is typically performed to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or synovial inflammation. It aims to alleviate pain, reduce joint swelling, and preserve joint function by removing diseased synovial tissue. If the patient has rheumatoid arthritis or any other inflammatory form of arthritis, it may damage the synovium tissues severely. The tissues may get swollen and lead to extreme pain. The condition is called synovitis.

Who needs a Synovectomy Surgery?

Synovectomy surgery may be recommended for individuals with synovial inflammation or joint damage. It is commonly performed for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, where the synovial membrane becomes inflamed and thickened. Synovectomy can also be considered for individuals with other forms of arthritis, such as psoriatic arthritis or osteoarthritis, or conditions like synovial chondromatosis. The surgery aims to alleviate pain, reduce joint swelling, and improve joint function by removing diseased synovial tissue. A healthcare professional should decide on synovectomy surgery after thoroughly evaluating the case and considering other treatment options.

If the inflammation of the synovium is not cured with the help of non-surgical treatments such as medications or steroids, then surgery is the last resort. Failure of NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections to heal the inflammation is also one of the causes of the surgery. If professional physical therapies done by therapists are also unable to heal the pain or lower the inflammation, then too, a doctor may suggest surgery.

Procedures followed for Synovectomy

A Synovectomy Surgery is done in two ways: Arthroscopy or Open Surgery. The type of surgery depends upon the patient's present medical condition. Both forms of surgery require anaesthesia to keep the patient calm and avoid any sense of pain.

- Arthroscopy- It is performed with the help of small incisions. It makes it easy for the patient to recover after the surgery and leaves fewer scar marks than open surgery. The doctor inserts a tourniquet in such surgery to lower the blood flow in the area to be operated. A pressure irrigation system helps to expand the surgical area to complete the procedure easily. The procedure involves the insertion of a small camera along with tiny instruments for the surgery. The camera helps to display the surgical area on a screen and also aids in the removal of the synovium. Performing arthroscopy on certain joints can sometimes be a bit tricky for surgeons.
- Open Surgery- It is a traditional form of surgery practised years back. Still today, many medical institutions perform this form of surgery. The procedure involves making a huge incision in the surgical area. The damaged and nonfunctional synovial tissues are cut and removed. The incisions are later closed by stitching up the surgical area.

Radiation and Chemical Synovectomy are also methods to treat inflamed joints. These methods are less popular. Both procedures involve injecting strong chemical drugs into the ruined tissues to break them down completely.

Possible Complications of Synovectomy

Like every surgery, Synovectomy also has some complications, mentioned below are a few of them:

- Infection
- Nerve Damage
- Blood Clots
- Tissue Damage
- Fever
- Redness and Swelling
- Numbness and Tingling
- Drainage from the surgical area

Post-Surgery Care

A doctor may suggest avoiding any pressure on the operated joints as it may worsen the condition. In knee surgery, a doctor may suggest wearing a cast or crutches while walking. It helps to support walking. Continuous Passive Motion (CPM) machine can help you move the joint after surgery to avoid pain. A physical therapist will help to regain strength in the operated joint. Pressurising the operated joint may ruin the condition.

Mentioned below are some of the post-operative care points that need to be followed for a speedy recovery:

- Icing- The patient operated on might have swelling in the surgical area. It can be easily lowered with the help of icing. It also helps to lower the tingling or burning sensation and allows quick recovery after the surgery. If the patient is experiencing excessive swelling, then it must be consulted with a doctor to know the root cause.
- Adequate Rest- A light activity to avoid lethargy and maintain the smoothness of joints is essential after surgery. Excessive pressure on the operated joints may ruin the operative area. Proper and timely rest is essential for proper and complete healing after surgery.
- Medications- A doctor may prescribe painkillers to lower the pain after the surgery. Medications to lower the swelling may also be prescribed for severe conditions.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Ortho doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Synovectomy is surgery to help lower the pain in the synovial tissues. The pain may occur due to different forms of arthritis or inflammation. It can also be caused due to an injury. Different forms of surgery help in the quick recovery of the patient. Post-surgery care is equally important.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/arthroscopy/
- https://www.webmd.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/rheumatoid-arthritis-synovectomy
- https://www.cincysportssurgeon.com/synovectomy-sports-medicine-orthopedic-surgeon.html