Related articles: Synovitis
Definition
Synovitis is an inflammation of the synovial membrane (tissue that lines the inner surface of the joint capsule).
The causes that determine its onset can be numerous.
Acute forms can result from violent trauma, or minor but repeated (eg direct bumps, sprains, etc.), or from local or general infectious processes (eg rheumatic fever, syphilis and tuberculosis).
Chronic synovitis, on the other hand, depends on particular conditions that can cause degeneration and suffering of the articular cartilage, such as osteoarthritis.
Synovitis may also occur in association with dysmetabolic disorders, rheumatic diseases (eg chondrocalcinosis, gout and rheumatoid arthritis) and synoviomas (tumors of the synovial membrane). Finally, there is a synovite of unknown origin called "villus-nodular".
Most common symptoms and signs *
- Knee pain
- Articolar pains
- Edema
- Erythema
- Pus formation
- Joint swelling
- Nodule
- Joint stiffness
- Articular Pouring
Further indications
Synovitis occurs with pain, swelling and limitation of joint movements. Often, this inflammatory process also affects structures close to the synovial membrane, belonging to the joint itself (arthrosynovitis) or its tendon formations (tenosynovitis). The most commonly affected joint district is the knee.
The inflamed membrane also produces a greater quantity of synovial fluid than the norm (joint effusion).
In infectious forms, the skin overlying the affected area may be tense, red and hot; moreover, the process can assume suppurative characters, with formation of pus within the inflamed tissue.
In the case of chronic progression of the pathology, the synovial membrane can thicken to form nodular proliferations that protrude into the articular cavity.
Synovitis is diagnosed by identifying the general clinical features of the inflammation during the physical examination. To establish the etiology of the disorder, the specialist can use the analysis of synovial fluid and the execution of imaging techniques (ultrasound, x-rays, magnetic resonance or computed tomography).
The therapy is different depending on the cause, but generally uses the emptying of the joint effusion by arthrocentesis. The treatment can also include rest and the use of anti-inflammatories and / or antibiotics.
