Minor and major complications of arthroscopic synovectomy of the knee joint performed by rheumatologist

The aim of the study was to analyze the type and incidence of major and minor complications resulting from arthroscopy with arthroscopic synovectomy of the knee joint performed by rheumatologist in different rheumatological diseases. METHODS: In a prospective study the incidence of complications in arthroscopic subtotal synovectomy with subsequent tidal flow lavage was analyzed in 201 rheumatic patients. The arthroscopic synovectomies were performed by one team of rheumatologists in the operation room of the University Clinic of Rheumatology in the town of Plovdiv for a period of 8-9 years. RESULTS: The major complications related to the arthroscopic synovectomy included septic arthritis (0.5%) and rupture of the joint capsule with edema of the thigh and leg (1.5%). The minor postarthroscopic complications were infection of the operative skin incision (2.0%), hemarthrosis (3.5%), severe postoperative pain (1.5%) and gout relapse (0.5%). Complete recovery was achieved after complications were treated and the result of the synovectomy was not compromised. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic synovectomy of the knee joint performed by rheumatologist in in-patients involves low risk of complications among which minor operative and postoperative ones are prevalent. These do not compromise near and late results of the arthroscopic synovectomy.