What is elbow synovitis?

Synovitis is the swelling or inflammation of the synovium which is a normal cushioning present in almost all joints. When this synovium of the elbow gets swollen due to various causes it is called elbow synovitis.

What are the causes of elbow synovitis?

Elbow synovitis is not very commonly seen, the most frequent cause of elbow synovitis is systemic arthritis like rheumatoid arthritis, Infection like TB, crystal arthritis like gout.

How does elbow synovitis present?

There is pain around the elbow with stiffness & reduction in the range of movement of the elbow. Swelling is present around the elbow especially behind the elbow & gradually increases to all around it. Pain can vary according to the severity of synovitis. Elbow movement is almost always restricted especially the opening of the elbow which stops short of opening completely.

How can one diagnose elbow synovitis?

Clinical examination of the elbow usually is enough for detecting synovitis but the extent of it can be accurately determined by an MRI of the elbow which also gives the status of the surrounding structures for a dynamic evaluation a sonography of the elbow is a good option.

Once elbow synovitis is diagnosed the cause for it must be found out too by doing blood tests to check for any systemic arthritis or crystal deposit disease like gout, if blood tests are non-diagnostic then a sonography-directed biopsy to send an actual sample from the inflamed tissue helps in determining the cause of the synovitis & goes a long way in treating it.

What is the treatment of Elbow synovitis in Mumbai?

Synovitis has the potential to cause permanent joint cartilage erosion & damage so controlling it as early as possible is of utmost importance. Anti-inflammatory medications can bring down the synovitis immediately, so visiting an Orthopaedic surgeon & starting medications to reduce the synovitis gives some breathing space to save the joint till the actual cause is known. Along with the medical line of treatment, it is very important to start rehabilitation of the elbow to reduce stiffness & gain a normal range of movement as soon as possible because delay in the same can lead to permanent elbow stiffness

Synovitis of the elbow has the potential to permanently damage the elbow so it needs early diagnosis & treatment to save the joint.

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