Etymed
synovectomy
Definition
Surgical removal of the synovial membrane from a joint
Clinical context
A 32-year-old woman presents with severe rheumatoid arthritis affecting her hands and knees. Despite aggressive medical management with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, she continues to experience significant joint pain and stiffness. Arthroscopic examination reveals extensive synovial inflammation and proliferation that has led to cartilage destruction. The patient undergoes synovectomy to remove the inflamed synovial membrane and prevent further joint damage.
Mnemonic
SYNOVectomy = Synovial membrane removal to prevent joint destruction