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SYNOVECTOMY OF THE ELBOW IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

D. W. Wilson 1; G. P. Arden 2; ; and B. M. Ansell 3

1 Royal Free Hospital, London, Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot and the Medical Research Council Rheumatism Unit, Taplow; London
2 Royal Free Hospital, London, Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot and the Medical Research Council Rheumatism Unit, Taplow; Ascot
3 Royal Free Hospital, London, Heatherwood Hospital, Ascot and the Medical Research Council Rheumatism Unit, Taplow; Taplow, England

1. Synovectomy of the elbow affected by rheumatoid arthritis is a worthwhile procedure even in the presence of advanced radiological changes.

2. Relief of pain is good (93 per cent) and movement is retained (87 per cent).

3. Although the follow-up in this series was short, averaging nineteen months, the results seem to be maintained.

4. Good access to the joint may be had through medial and lateral incisions, and division of the olecranon is unnecessary. A lateral incision alone is not recommended.

5. The ulnar nerve should be preserved during dissection. Anterior transposition is needed only if there are neurological symptoms before operation.
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Registered charity no: 209299     Print ISSN: 0301-620X
Hip, Knee, Trauma, Upper limb, Foot & Ankle, Paediatrics, Oncology, Spine, Arthroplasty, General