To document the occurrence of chronic massive knee effusions in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF).
Three cases of chronic massive knee effusion of young FMF patients requiring open synovectomy are presented.
Open synovectomy necessitated protracted rehabilitation, eventually with good results.
FMF should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chronic massive knee effusion. Early diagnosis and daily colchicine treatment generally result in a good clinical outcome and may eliminate the need for open synovectomy in favor of arthroscopic surgery.