The development of juxta-articular osteoporosis after synovectomy of the knee. A prospective study by double photon absorptiometry.

In a prospective study 9 patients, who were going to have a synovectomy for rheumatoid arthritis of the knee, underwent dual photon absorptiometry before, and at intervals after, operation. This determined the degree of juxta-articular osteoporosis quantitatively. The density was compared to a control group with normal knees. The follow up measurements showed an improvement in the juxta-articular bone mineral content after the 6th month. This demonstrates that bone densitometry is an objective indicator of the development of juxta-articular osteoporosis in inflammatory joint disease.