Methods of Treatment for Improving Joint Motion After Synovectomy in Tb. Knee

Bae, Dae Kyung; Ahn, Deok Ho; Yum, Jae Kwang

Abstract

In the treatment of Tb.knee, the preservation of mobility is an important issue, there are many difficulties due to pain and swelling in the trial of early ROM exercise, and various problems such as the recurrence of Tb. lesions, delayed wound healing and draining sinus formation. We analysed 30 cases of Tb. knee treated with synovectomy during 10 years since March, 1979. In Group I (25 cases), early ROM exercise were started about 4 weeks after synovectomy. And in Group II (5 csses), arthroscopic adhesiolysis was performed after minimum 6 month immobilization and chemotherapy following synovectomy. We compared the two Groups and the results were as followings: 1. Male was 15 patients and female was 15 patients, the average age was 28.1 years. 2. The average follow-up period was 18.3 months. 3. In Group I, the ROM exercise was performed before 4 weeks in 9 cases and after 4 weeks in 16 cases postoperatively. The average final ROM was 68.9° 4. Draining sinus formation was in 4 cases in Group I. 5. In Group II, arthroscopic adhesiolysis was performed in 5 cases after synovectomy and chemotherapy for average 8.8 months ranging from 6 to 14 months. 6. The average final ROM at follow-up was 111° in Group II. 7. In a case with the severe involvement of bone and cartilage in Tb. lesion at the synovectomy, ROM was reduced gradually to 50° after arthroscopic adhesiolysis. We could gain ROM of 120° by TKR. 8. Draining sinus formation was not found in Group II.