What is synovitis?

　　Synovitis is a condition caused by knee joint sprains or various intra-articular injuries. Symptoms of synovitis vary across different stages of the disease and also differ among its various types. So, what exactly is synovitis?

　　What Is Synovitis?

　　Synovitis refers to inflammation of the synovial membrane within a joint—characterized by hyperemia (increased blood flow), edema (swelling), and exudation—which leads to joint pathology. Synovitis itself represents the clinical manifestation of this disorder. It can arise from multiple causes; for instance, simple traumatic synovitis may result from contusions or sprains of the knee joint, leading to synovial hyperemia and edema, and even intra-articular tears. These injuries cause blood to accumulate within the joint space, resulting in joint swelling, pain, and restricted mobility—hence termed “simple traumatic synovitis.”

　　For patients with significant pain, oral anti-inflammatory and analgesic medications may be prescribed. If joint swelling is pronounced and large volumes of fluid have accumulated, arthrocentesis (joint aspiration) can be performed under sterile conditions, followed by application of a compression bandage post-aspiration. In cases of septic arthritis, adequate antibiotics should be administered early, along with arthrocentesis. The aspirated joint fluid should be sent to the laboratory for bacterial culture and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. Antibiotic therapy should then be adjusted based on these results; joint lavage may be required when necessary.

　　Synovitis secondary to rheumatoid or rheumatic arthritis can be treated early via arthroscopic synovectomy. Additionally, medical management remains an effective treatment option for both rheumatoid and rheumatic arthritis. We hope this explanation proves helpful to you.