Arthroscopic synovectomy of the rheumatoid wrist.

18 wrists in 16 patients with synovitis due to rheumatoid arthritis were treated with arthroscopic synovectomy. The surgical procedure and the results after surgery are described. Range of motion, grip strength, subjective experience of pain and level of activity were registered pre- and post-operatively. The operations were found to give good pain relief, increased grip strength, no post-operative stiffness and a short period of rehabilitation.