title: Factitial synovitis.
abstract: This unusual case of trauma depicts a 17-year-old female who had a history of chronic synovitis of her left knee for several months. The patient demonstrated persistent knee effusion despite treatment of several physicians. Failure of the left knee to respond to several surgical procedures, as well as the finding of numerous foreign bodies not present previously, evoked a high index of suspicion leading to the diagnosis of factitial synovitis. The paper further defines the entity, describes the personalities involved and the numerous methods used to inflict trauma. Lastly, the treatment regime is given.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005260:Female; D005547:Foreign Bodies; D006801:Humans; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D012652:Self Mutilation; D013585:Synovitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000523:psychology*