Synovitis

Inflammation of the membrane lining a joint.

Inflammation of the synovial membrane.

Inflammation of the synovial membrane lining a joint, resulting in pain and swelling; it may be caused by injury, infection, or rheumatic disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis). Treatment depends on the cause.

An inflammation of the synovial membrane, a condition that often accompanies rheumatoid arthritis. The synovial membrane is a layer of cells that lines the inner surfaces of movable joints. The membrane produces the viscous fluid that bathes and lubricates the joint as it moves, thus helping the joint remain limber and flexible. When disease causes inflammation and swelling of the synovial membrane producing synovitis, the function of the joint is severely impaired. Treatment consists of bed rest, acetaminophen for pain, crutches, and possible traction.

Inflammation of the membrane (synovium) that lines a joint capsule, resulting in pain and swelling (arthritis). It is caused by injury, infection, or rheumatic disease. Treatment depends on the underlying cause; to determine this, samples of the synovial fluid or membrane are taken fi examination.

Inflammation of the membrane lining a joint. It is usually painful and accompanied by effusion of fluid within the synovial sac of the joint. It is found in rheumatoid arthritis, various injuries and inflammations of joints, and in the chronic form in tuberculosis. Treatment of synovitis is with rest, splinting, analgesics and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Infection should be treated with antibiotics. If the joint fails to respond, surgery (synovectomy) may be needed.

Inflammation of a synovial membrane. Inflammation may be the result of an aseptic wound, rheumatologic diseases, infections, a subcutaneous injury (contusion or sprain), irritation produced by damaged cartilage, overuse, or trauma.

The inflammation of the synovium, which is the delicate membrane located within the joint.

Swelling in the membrane that lines the capsule of a mobile joint characterizes this condition. It can be acute, commonly resulting from an arthritis flare-up, injury, or infection. Alternatively, it can be chronic, often due to conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The affected joint typically becomes swollen, painful, and frequently exhibits warmth and redness.

Determining the cause of synovitis may require joint aspiration, which involves collecting a sample of the joint’s lubricating fluid, or a biopsy of the membrane. Relief from symptoms can be achieved through rest, stabilizing the joint with a cast or splint, pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes corticosteroid injections. For persistent synovitis, a synovectomy may be the treatment of choice.