The diagnosis

The diagnosis of synovitis of the knee can often be made by physical examination alone. Based on the typical symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness and overheating of the joint, it is often possible to draw a reliable conclusion about synovitis. A joint effusion can also be identified by means of orthopedic physical examinations.

If bacterial inflammation of the knee is suspected, a joint puncture can provide information about the pathogen. In this way, the right antibiotic can be selected. If there is a suspicion of a traumatic injury, imaging procedures such as an X-ray or an MRI can be helpful.

An X-ray should also be taken if there is a suspected loosening of the artificial knee joint. If the patient shows holistic symptoms such as fever and fatigue, a blood test can be helpful for diagnosis. While an X-ray of the knee shows the bony structures well, an MRI serves to evaluate the soft tissues.

In the case of the knee, this includes, for example, the menisci, the various ligaments (cruciate ligaments, inner and outer ligament) but also cartilage, tendons and muscles. An MRI can thus detect inflammatory changes in these areas. Especially if a traumatic injury is suspected, an MRI may become necessary, as a torn meniscus or torn cruciate ligament can be detected. Likewise, a possible joint degeneration can be identified as the cause of synovitis.

The treatment

The therapy of a synovialitis of the knee is strongly dependent on the cause of the knee joint inflammation. Synovialitis most frequently manifests itself when the joint is under heavy strain, often in athletes or in patients who perform a lot of work on their knees (e.g. tiling). These patients should take care of their knee joint in the coming weeks and refrain from the causative activity.

In addition, physiotherapy and anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen can contribute to faster healing. If a traumatic injury to the knee joint is involved, it should be treated appropriately. In this case, a specialist orthopedist should be consulted who can determine the correct therapy.

If it concerns a thrust of an autoimmune illness like e.g. rheumatism, the employment of Kortison can become necessary. Kortison dams here the overshooting body-own defense system and helps so to a fast healing. If it should concern a bacterial inflammation of the knee joint, antibiotics can become necessary.

If an artificial joint has been inserted before the knee joint inflammation, you should consult a doctor as early as possible, since antibiotics must be administered as early as possible. This can also be done, for example, by administering antibiotic-containing medication directly to the joint. If the inflammation cannot be contained, it may be necessary to remove the artificial joint again.

Surgery for synovitis of the knee joint is by no means typical. Most inflammations can be treated well with anti-inflammatory painkillers or antibiotics while sparing the joint. Surgery may become necessary especially if the knee is injured, for example after a sports accident.

An operation may also be necessary if a freshly inserted artificial knee joint has become infected with pathogens. Even if the knee is severely worn, surgical treatment may be considered in the course of time to prevent further synovitis. In most cases, however, surgery is not necessary.

In the case of chronic inflammatory diseases of the knee joint, for example as part of rheumatism or activated arthrosis, a radiosynoviorthesis can contribute to pain relief. In this case, radioactive substances are injected into the knee joint, which lead to a change in the inner skin of the joint. This can often help to contain inflammation and significantly reduce pain in the knee joint. You should discuss with your treating orthopedist or rheumatologist whether a radiosynoviorthesis is indicated.