Fibre glass induced synovitis.

Chronic synovitis developed in the dorsal extensor sheath of the hand of a 25-year-old manufacturer of fibre glass reinforced boats and surfboards . Particles found in synovial fluid aspirates were similar in morphology and elemental content to unused fibre glass and particles found in dust from the workshop floor. It was concluded that hard disc grinding required during manufacture resulted in percutaneous implantation of small glass particles, leading to chronic synovitis and effusion.