Arthroscopic Synovectomy A synovectomy is a surgical procedure for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis that does not respond to medication, exercise and physical therapy. Synovectomy is often used in the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis to remove the inflamed lining tissue (synovium) from inside the affected joint. It is most often used for the knees, but can be used on other joints including the shoulder, wrist and elbow. Not only does it alleviate much of the rheumatoid arthritis pain associated with that inflammation, it may also prevent further damage to the joint. The synovium however can grow back over time and synovectomy isnt a permanent solution in most cases. A synovectomy may be done as an arthroscopic procedure in an outpatient surgical center. It is done under local anesthesia with IV sedation or under general anesthesia with the patient asleep. Arthroscopy permits a small camera and instruments to be inserted into the joint through several small incisions made by the surgeon. The arthroscopic surgery camera is attached to a fiberoptic light source and shows a picture of the inside of the joint on a television monitor. One or more other incisions are made to insert instruments that can remove the diseased tissue. A sterile saline solution may be pumped into the area to flush out any debris. During the procedure, the surgeon will inspect the inside of the joint for other problems. Patients should consult their surgeon for a complete explanation of the procedure and its associated risks and complications.