We reviewed our surgical results of open synovectomy with radial head resection for rheumatoid elbow.
We reviewed the 20 patients (22 elbows) underwent open synovectomy for rheumatoid elbows retrospectively. The minimum follow-up period is over 10 years, and the average was 13 years 4 months. Surgical outcomes were evaluated using the VAS pain scale, range of motion, and radiologic outcomes including Larsen's grade and carrying angle.
The mean VAS score was 39 (range, 10-90) at last follow-up. The only one patient underwent revision surgery. The mean flexion-extension range of elbow was -28°-112° and arc of motion was 82° before surgery. The mean flexion-extension range of elbow was -23°-114°, and arc of motion was 90° at last follow-up. Radiologic findings of nine elbows in 21 elbows worsened at last follow-up according to the Larsen-s grade. Carrying angle increased by mean 4.2°, and it increased by 10° or more in four elbows.
Our results show that open synovectomy with radial head resection resulted in functional motion maintenance and pain control for a long time, but often resulted in an elbow valgus deformity. Our findings suggest open synovectomy can be considered as palliative treatment for painful rheumatoid elbow.