Results of elbow synovectomy in rheumatoid arthritis

Summary Synovectomy of the elbow was performed on 54 patients (70 elbows) with rheumatoid arthritis. The mean follow-up time was 7.5 years (range 1.5–22 years). Clinical evaluation showed marked relief of pain in 58 elbows (40%). In 27 cases (38.5%) the pain was moderate but still less than preoperatively. Severe pain was recorded in 15 cases (21.5%) at the time of check up. As to postoperative range of movement, the mean flexion are was 114.5° and the mean rotation are 134.5°. Latitudinal instability was recorded up to 5° in 33 (47%) elbows, up to 10° in 20 (28.5%), up to 15° in 6 (8.5%), and more than 15° in 11 (16%). The mean carrying angle was 10° in valgus. Measurement of strength in flexion and extension showed a reduction of approximately 50% compared to age-matched healthy controls. Reoperations were performed in 10 elbows (14%); the interval between the primary synovectomy and second operation in these cases averaged 8 years.