Arthroscopic synovectomy of the rheumatoid wrist. A 3.8 year follow-up.

Twenty-four wrists in 19 patients with rheumatoid arthritis affecting the wrist were treated by arthroscopic synovectomy. Range of motion, subjective pain, wrist function and X-ray changes were recorded preoperatively and at an average of 3.8 years after operation. Arthroscopic synovectomy of the rheumatoid wrist reduced pain and improved wrist function in the majority of patients. Progress of arthritic degeneration was significantly less common in patients with no, or very early changes at the time of surgery.