Overview of Synovitis

Synovitis is inflammation of the joint synovium, which can cause swelling, pain, and restricted movement. Causes include trauma, infection, autoimmune diseases, and joint degeneration. It commonly occurs in the knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow joints. Without timely treatment, synovitis may lead to cartilage damage, functional impairment, or even permanent disability.

Global and National Prevalence

Synovitis is prevalent among different age and occupational groups, especially affecting athletes, the elderly, and patients with rheumatic diseases. Although specific global data is limited, the following statistics provide an overview:

Global: Synovitis is common among patients with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, accounting for about 30%–50%.

China: The incidence of synovitis is relatively high, particularly knee synovitis, affecting more than 30 million people.

United States: Synovitis often arises from sports injuries and rheumatic diseases, affecting about 10 million people to varying degrees.

Europe: The incidence of synovitis is higher in cold and damp regions, with rheumatism-related synovitis particularly common in Northern European countries.

Japan: With an aging population, the proportion of elderly patients with synovitis caused by degenerative changes is increasing.

Main Harms of Synovitis

1. Physical harm

① Pain and swelling: Synovitis causes abnormal secretion of synovial fluid, leading to joint swelling, tenderness, and effusion.

② Restricted joint mobility: Pain and swelling affect flexibility, and in severe cases, walking or movement becomes difficult.

③ Cartilage damage: Chronic inflammation can damage joint cartilage, leading to osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis.

2. Psychological and social impact

① Anxiety and depression: Long-term pain affects mental health and lowers quality of life.

② Limited social activity: Mobility difficulties impact work and social interactions, reducing confidence.

3. Economic burden

Increased medical costs: Synovitis may require long-term medication, rehabilitation, or even surgery, leading to high expenses.

Emerging Treatments

Stem Cell Therapy

Stem cell therapy shows promising potential in the treatment of synovitis. By utilizing the anti-inflammatory, tissue repair, and immunomodulatory functions of stem cells, it can effectively relieve synovial inflammation, repair joint tissue, and slow the progression of joint degeneration.

① Anti-inflammatory effects: Suppresses abnormal activation of synovial cells, reducing joint redness and swelling.

② Tissue regeneration: Promotes the repair of synovial and cartilage cells, restoring joint function.

③ Immunomodulation: Improves synovial damage caused by autoimmune disorders.

④ Lower recurrence: Reduces joint effusion and the likelihood of recurrence.

⑤ Applicable to multiple types of synovitis, including rheumatic and traumatic synovitis.

Mainstream Treatments

The treatment goals for synovitis are to relieve pain, control inflammation, and restore joint function. Common approaches include non-pharmacological therapy, medication, and surgery.

1. Medication

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to relieve pain and inflammation. In some cases, corticosteroids may be used for short-term control. For rheumatic synovitis, disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs such as methotrexate may be required for long-term management.

2. Joint aspiration

For patients with significant effusion, aspiration can quickly relieve swelling and pain, sometimes combined with the injection of anti-inflammatory medication. Strict aseptic techniques must be followed to avoid infection.

3. Rehabilitation and exercise management

Physical therapy methods such as hot compresses, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation can help reduce local inflammation and aid recovery. Targeted functional exercises prevent stiffness and muscle weakness, though excessive loading should be avoided.

4. Surgical treatment

For severe cases with significant synovial hyperplasia or recurrent effusion, arthroscopic synovectomy may be necessary to remove diseased synovial tissue, relieving symptoms and preventing further joint damage.

Conclusion

Although synovitis is not a fatal disease, ignoring treatment can lead to serious consequences. Experts at United Life International Medical Center emphasize that early recognition and intervention, combined with advanced cell therapy, are key strategies to prevent worsening of synovial lesions.