[Arthroscopy in diagnosis and treatment of tuberculous synovitis].
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of arthroscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of early tuberculous synovitis.


METHODS
Eighteen patients with monoarticular synovitis who underwent arthroscopy and diagnosed as tuberculous synovitis because of arthroscopic findings and synovial biopsies from September 1986 to September 1996 were reviewed.


RESULTS
Four out of 18 patients were diagnosed on the basis of clinical manifestations and laboratory results before operation, and proved pathologically after operation. The other 14 cases were definitely diagnosed by arthroscopy and pathological examination. With an average of 3 years and 4 months follow-up, the results of the treatment were excellent. Symptoms disappeared, and full joint functions restored in each case.


CONCLUSIONS
Arthroscopy is a useful method in the diagnosis and treatment of early tuberculous synovitis.
Cai
D
D
Department of Orthopaedics, Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510630.
Chen
Y
Y
Rong
L
L
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001182:Arthroscopy; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013585:Synovitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000601:surgery; D014394:Tuberculosis, Osteoarticular / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000601:surgery