In numerous puplications the results of synovectomy have been written
about where either one or another viewpoint have been examined. In this
publication, the attempt is made to collect as many parameters as
possible so as to get a most objective picture of the therapeutic worth
by studying 100 knee and 370 finger synovectomies. During the survey,
among other points, the following important aspects were taken under
consideration: The operative results were not evaluated by the operating
surgeon, but by a rheumatologist who was not on the clinic staff. As is
well known, it is difficult to evaluate the X-ray picture objectively,
since very often "subjective impressions" prevail. Gschwend succeeded in
setting up - mainly for the synovectomized finger joints - a
comprehensive point system, so as not to leave the evaluation to chance.
Besides the purely local joint condition, an internal rheumatological
status, at the time of the operation and the follow-up examinations,
with corresponding laboratory tests, was carried out and included in the
evaluation. Finally, it should be pointed out that this is a long term
study of 5 years, with various controls made in between. The examination
of so-called control groups, for the present study, seems to us to be
highly problematic and of little value for a statement. Essentially,
only the local condition with respect to pain and swellings im- proves,
while the general activity of the inflammatory process as also the
mobility and deformity of the synovectomized joints will only be
somewhat influenced.
