Arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist in rheumatoid arthritis

Arthroscopic synovectomy versus intra-articular injection of corticosteroids for the management of refractory psoriatic or rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (ARCTIC trial)

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) are inflammatory diseases that often affect the wrist and, when affected, can lead to impaired wrist function and progressive joint destruction if inadequately treated. Standard care consists primarily of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs), often supported by systemic corticosteroids or intra-articular corticosteroid injections (IACSI). IACSI, despite their use worldwide, show poor response in a substantial group of patients. Arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist is the surgical removal of synovitis with the goal to relieve pain and improve wrist function. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate wrist function following arthroscopic synovectomy compared to IACSI in therapy-resistant patients with rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis. Secondary objectives include radiologic progress, disease activity, health-related quality of life, work participation and cost-effectiveness during a 1-year follow-up.

METHODS

This protocol describes a prospective, randomized controlled trial. RA and PsA patients are eligible with prominent wrist synovitis objectified by a rheumatologist, not responding to at least 3 months of conventional DMARDs and naïve to biological DMARDs. For 90% power, an expected loss to follow-up of 5%, an expected difference in mean Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score (PRWE, range 0-100) of 11 and α = 0.05, a total sample size of 80 patients will be sufficient to detect an effect size. Patients are randomized in a 1:1 ratio for arthroscopic synovectomy with deposition of corticosteroids or for IACSI. Removed synovial tissue will be stored for an ancillary study on disease profiling. The primary outcome is wrist function, measured with the PRWE score after 3 months. Secondary outcomes include wrist mobility and grip strength, pain scores, DAS28, EQ-5D-5L, disease progression on ultrasound and radiographs, complications and secondary treatment. Additionally, a cost-effectiveness analysis will be performed, based on healthcare costs (iMCQ questionnaire) and productivity loss (iPCQ questionnaire). Follow-up will be scheduled at 3, 6 and 12 months. Patient burden is minimized by combining study visits with regular follow-ups.

DISCUSSION

Persistent wrist arthritis continues to be a problem for patients with rheumatic joint disease leading to disability. This is the first randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effect, safety and feasibility of arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist in these patients compared to IACSI.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Dutch trial registry (CCMO), NL74744.100.20. Registered on 30 November 2020.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov NCT04755127. Registered after the start of inclusion on 15 February 2021.

Wrist Arthroscopy in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Review of Current Literature and Future Implications

Introduction  Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) is the most common rheumatological condition in children and frequently affects the wrist. The roles for wrist arthroscopy and arthroscopic synovectomy (AS) in JIA are unclear. Our aim was to find the current evidence supporting its use. Methods  Systematic literature review of relevant publications from 1990 to present in the Cochrane Library, Clinical Knowledge Summaries, DynaMed, PEMSoft, NICE Guidance, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PubMed. Results  We found no publications detailing the use of arthroscopy or AS specifically in patients with JIA involving the wrist. There is evidence that AS reduces pain, improves function, and induces remission in patients with rheumatoid arthritis resistant to medical management. Discussion and Conclusion  Although there is paucity in evidence for the use of AS in the wrists of patients with JIA, studies suggest it to be safe and effective, and could be applied to patients with refractive JIA. It is possible that early identification of patients suffering from JIA with extensive joint destruction and little symptoms could benefit from AS, delaying joint destruction and preserving function.

Arthroscopic Synovectomy of Wrist in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disorder affecting multiple joints. Wrist involvement is common. Patients with persistent symptoms despite medical management are candidates for surgery. Synovectomy can provide pain relief and functional improvement for rheumatoid wrist. Arthroscopic synovectomy is a safe and reliable method, with minimal postoperative morbidity. This article reviews the role, technique, and results of arthroscopic synovectomy in the rheumatoid wrist.

Arthroscopic synovectomy of the knee in rheumatoid arthritis defined by the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria

BACKGROUND

The aims of this study were: (1) to evaluate the mid-term results and survivorship of arthroscopic synovectomy (AS) of the knee in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) defined with the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) criteria; and (2) to identify prognostic factors.

METHODS

Patients matching the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria, with symptomatic knee synovitis for at least six months, treated with arthroscopic synovectomy of the knee at a minimum of three year followup were included. Pre-operative evaluation included Larsen, HAQ, DAS28, and Laurin scores. Post-operatively, Laurin, WOMAC, and patient satisfaction scores were evaluated. Different variables were investigated to find associations with the outcomes. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Sixty-four patients met the inclusion criteria. Seven patients (9.6%) were lost to followup, leaving 57 patients (66 knees) for the present study. The average followup was 96.3months (SD 41). The pre-operative Laurin score was 3.91 points (SD 1.3) and significantly (P<0.001) improved after surgery (mean 8.2, SD 2). The post-operative average WOMAC score was 73.9 points (SD 45.9). Eighteen knees (27.3%) underwent revision procedures at an average of 48.6 months (SD 39.8). Joint degeneration (Larsen grade III) and range of movement (ROM) reduction (>10%) were identified as negative prognostic factors. Kaplan-Meier survivorship with total knee replacement as endpoint was: 78% at one year, 28% at four years, and six percent at 10 years.

CONCLUSIONS

Although AS of the knee has still a role as a salvage procedure in the treatment of RA synovitis with initial joint degeneration (less than Larsen grade III) and good ROM, high revision rates and limited survivorship are reported.

Patient rated outcomes study into the surgical interventions available for the rheumatoid hand and wrist

INTRODUCTION

A multitude of surgical interventions are recognised for the treatment of the rheumatoid hand and wrist, however there seems to be a distinct lack of patient rated outcome measures (PROMs) studies reporting on the efficacy of these procedures. The aim of this study was to assess the PROMs related to hand and wrist surgery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single surgeon series identified 94 patients (133 hands) with RA who had undergone one of eight surgical procedures (Swanson's arthroplasty, finger joint or wrist arthrodesis, carpal tunnel decompression, posterior interosseous nerve denervation, RA nodule excision, synovectomy/tenosynovectomy and tendon repair/release) with a mean follow-up period of 3 years. The primary outcome measures were the same for all patients and comprised the validated modified score for the assessment and quantification of chronic rheumatoid affections of the hand (M-SACRAH) and a separate satisfaction questionnaire.

RESULTS

Highly significant improvements in both function and pain scores are reported across the cohort as a whole following hand surgery, with this pattern replicated within all of the operative subgroups. In keeping with these favourable results very high levels of overall satisfaction were reported with 93 % of patients reporting themselves to be very or fairly satisfied with their procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, patient reported outcomes in functional, stiffness and pain domains of the M-SACRAH questionnaire appear very favourable across the range of surgical procedures that can be performed in the rheumatoid hand. We believe this data supports the use of all the procedures explored, and will be helpful in patient guidance.

Update on the surgical treatment for rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist and hand

Surgical procedures for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are aimed at restoring function and decreasing pain. Over the past four decades multiple procedures have been described in the management of early and late disease. This article will review the most common forms of surgery used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Long-term results of arthroscopic wrist synovectomy in rheumatoid arthritis

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of arthroscopic wrist synovectomy on the clinical course of rheumatoid arthritis in a large series with long-term follow-up.

METHODS

We performed arthroscopic synovectomy on 56 wrists in 49 patients with rheumatoid arthritis. At a mean follow-up of 7.9 years (range, 5-12 y), we evaluated pain and patient satisfaction using a visual analog scale and assessed overall function using the Mayo wrist score. Radiographic stage was graded according to Larsen stage. We determined clinical outcomes on the recurrence of wrist synovitis, which we evaluated by symptoms of pain and swelling and physical examination. Preoperative variables were statistically analyzed to find factors that could influence the results.

RESULTS

The mean visual analog scale score for wrist pain decreased from 6.3 to 1.7, and the mean Mayo wrist score (evaluated in 39 wrists) improved from 48 (range, 5-70) to 76 (range, 55-100). The mean visual analog scale score for patient satisfaction was 7.9. At final follow-up, synovitis was controlled in 42 wrists (75%) and recurred in the others. The mean Larsen stage progressed from 2.2 to 3.3. Analysis of preoperative variables revealed no factors that significantly affected clinical outcomes in terms of sex, age, duration of wrist symptom, preoperative serologic inflammatory markers, or Larsen stage.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist can provide pain relief and functional improvement with control of synovitis in 75% of rheumatoid wrists that have not responded to medication.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic IV.

Arthroscopic synovectomy for rheumatoid wrists and elbows

PURPOSE

To evaluate the treatment outcome of wrist and elbow arthroscopic synovectomy for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

METHODS

3 men and 18 women aged 27 to 71 (mean, 54) years underwent arthroscopic synovectomy for rheumatoid arthritis of the wrist (n=12) and elbow (n=13). All patients had received multiple medications including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, and steroids, as well as physiotherapy and splintage for 6 months, but the joint pain and disability persisted. The median duration of rheumatoid arthritis was 89 (range, 24-156) and 108 (range, 36-360) months for the wrist and elbow joints, respectively. According to the Larsen grading, the radiographic stages of the wrists and elbows were classified as grade 1 (n=4+4), grade 2 (n=4+5), and grade 3 (n=4+4). Visual analogue scale for pain, the wrist and elbow flexion-extension arcs, grip strength, key pinch strength, inflammatory markers, disability and symptoms were compared pre- and post-operatively.

RESULTS

The median follow-up period was 30 (range, 18-78) and 34 (range, 18-78) months for wrists and elbows, respectively. There was significant improvement in pain, joint motion, inflammatory markers, and disability score. All patients were satisfied with the surgery. There was no neurovascular or wound complication. No patient was taking longterm pain-control drugs. One patient underwent a second arthroscopic synovectomy after 15 months owing to exacerbation of arthritis.

CONCLUSION

Arthroscopic synovectomy is recommended for patients with rheumatoid arthritis who fail conservative treatment.

The role of arthroscopic synovectomy in patients with undifferentiated chronic monoarthritis of the wrist

We investigated the clinical response to arthroscopic synovectomy in patients with undifferentiated chronic monoarthritis (UCMA) of the wrist. Arthroscopic synovectomy was performed on 20 wrists in 20 patients with UCMA of the wrist who had not responded to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. The mean duration of symptoms at the time of surgery was 4.3 months (3 to 7) and the mean follow-up was 51.8 months (24 to 94). Inflamed synovium was completely removed from the radiocarpal, midcarpal and distal radioulnar joints using more portals than normal. After surgery, nine patients had early remission of synovitis and 11 with uncontrolled synovitis received antirheumatic medication. Overall, there was significant improvement in terms of pain relief, range of movement and Mayo score. Radiological deterioration was seen in five patients who were diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis during the follow-up period. Lymphoid follicles and severe lymphocyte infiltration were seen more often in synovial biopsies from patients with uncontrolled synovitis.

These results suggest that arthroscopic synovectomy provides pain relief and functional improvement, and allows rapid resolution of synovitis in about half of patients with UCMA of the wrist.

Arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist

Arthroscopic synovectomy is safe and reliable, with mild postoperative morbidity. The rationale of a surgical synovectomy is to excise inflamed synovium and thereby, remove as much effusion and inflammatory substrate as possible. In most cases, arthroscopic synovectomy is performed as an outpatient procedure. The technique has also been used for other diagnoses causing wrist arthritis, but very few results have been reported and the indications remain to be defined. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), juvenile chronic arthritis (JCA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and postinfectious monoarthritis, a long period of increased comfort and improved function can be anticipated.

Rheumatoid synovectomy: does the surgical approach matter?

BACKGROUND

Surgical synovectomy relieves pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The comparative effect of arthroscopic versus open synovectomy on pain reduction, recurrence of synovitis, radiographic progression, and need for subsequent total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is unclear. Whether synovectomy relieves pain in patients with advanced degenerative joint changes is also controversial.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

We therefore asked whether arthroscopic synovectomy resulted in equal pain relief, recurrence rates, rates of radiographic progression, likelihood of arthroplasty, and whether surgical synovectomy relieved pain and halted progression in the presence of advanced RA.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and BMJ Clinical Evidence. After appropriate selection criteria, 58 studies were identified, including 36 on open synovectomy and 22 on arthroscopic synovectomy, with a total of 2589 patients and a mean followup of 6.1 years. Meta-analysis was performed for knees and elbows, comparing open versus arthroscopic synovectomy. Variables included the percentage of patients with pain reduction, recurrence of synovitis, radiographic progression, and need for subsequent TJA or arthrodesis.

RESULTS

Patients undergoing arthroscopic synovectomy had similar pain reduction, but more frequent recurrences of synovitis and radiographic progression than patients with open synovectomy. Patients undergoing arthroscopic synovectomy had similar and decreased risks of subsequent elbow and knee arthroplasties, respectively. Advanced preoperative radiographic RA did not correlate with worse pain scores nor increased need for subsequent arthroplasty when compared with minimal degenerative joint changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Arthroscopic synovectomy, while providing similar pain relief, may place patients at higher risk for recurrence and radiographic progression of RA. Advanced preoperative degenerative joint disease should not be an absolute contraindication to synovectomy.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Current concepts and treatment for the rheumatoid wrist

Wrist involvement in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is common. Within 2 years of diagnosis, more than half of patients will have wrist pain, and more than 90% will have wrist disease by 10 years. Although wrist involvement is generally thought to be less disabling than RA of the fingers and hand, it can be a significant cause of pain and disability. Severe disease with bony destruction and synovitis in the wrist can also result in soft-tissue problems including tendon ruptures. In addition to musculoskeletal involvement, systemic manifestations of RA can occur. Felty syndrome can result in a low white blood count and splenomegaly in association with RA. New generation, disease-modifying pharmacologic agents offer promise in controlling the disease progression. Surgical treatments for the diseased wrist are aimed at relieving pain and restoring function. Common procedures include: synovectomy and tenosynovectomy, tendon reconstruction, distal ulnar resection and/or distal radioulnar joint reconstruction, partial and full wrist arthrodesis, and total wrist arthroplasty.

Arthroscopic synovectomy in rheumatoid arthritis of wrist

The wrist is the most commonly involved region of the upper extremity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Because the wrist joint becomes involved early during the disease course and its involvement rapidly progresses, and because the disabilities associated with progressive RA are significant, early and adequate treatment must be introduced to prevent disease progression. Various treatment methods can be employed to treat RA wrists based on radiological and clinical findings. Arthroscopic synovectomy is recommended for pain relief and functional recovery in early stage RA, and is also helpful in advanced staged RA with Larsen stage III. However, arthroscopic synovectomy is not recommended as an effective method of treatment for all patients with advanced radiographic changes. Nevertheless, arthroscopic synovectomy may delay the need for complex surgery, such as wrist arthrodesis or total wrist arthroplasty in selective cases. Although arthroscopic synovectomy of the wrist cannot improve grip strength or range of motion, it can reduce wrist pain and improve function, and thus facilitate return to work.

Arthroscopic synovectomy in wrists with advanced rheumatoid arthritis

We evaluated the effects of arthroscopic wrist synovectomy for patients with advanced rheumatoid arthritis. We retrospectively reviewed data for 11 patients with moderately advanced arthritis and joint space narrowing of 25% to 50% (Group A) treated from May 1993 to March 2000. We compared effects of these patients with effects of six patients with earlier disease and joint space narrowing of 0% to 25% (Group B). For Group A, the total modified Mayo wrist scores increased from an average of 26.36 points preoperatively to an average of 56.36 points postoperatively. Postoperative scores for pain and return to work status, and two components of the modified Mayo wrist score also showed differences compared with the respective preoperative scores. There was an increase in final followup scores in return to work status and total modified Mayo wrist scores. Group A showed larger differences than Group B. Our data suggest that arthroscopic synovectomy is a useful treatment for modest and moderate stages of rheumatoid arthritis. It is especially effective for decreasing pain and improving function, allowing patients to return to work.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, Level III. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

The rheumatoid wrist

Wrist involvement is common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Individual patient assessment is important in determining functional deficits and treatment goals. Patients with persistent disease despite aggressive medical management are candidates for surgery. Soft-tissue procedures offer good symptomatic relief and functional improvement in the short term. Extensor and flexor tendons may rupture because of synovial infiltration and bony irritation. When rupture occurs, direct repair usually is not possible. However, when joints that are motored by the ruptured tendon are still functional, tendon transfer or grafting may be considered. Because of the progressive nature of the disease, dislocation and end-stage arthritis often require stabilization with bony procedures. The distal radioulnar joint is usually affected first and is commonly treated with either the Darrach or the Sauvé-Kapandji procedure. Partial wrist fusion offers a compromise between achieving stability of the affected radiocarpal joint and maintaining motion at the midcarpal joint. For pancarpal arthritis, total wrist fusion offers reliable pain relief at the cost of motion. Total wrist arthroplasty is an alternative that preserves motion; however, the outcomes of total wrist replacement are still being evaluated.

Le poignet rhumatoïde

Wrist involvement in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is frequent, variable in its presentation, heterogeneous in its evolution and has an important impact on the function of the affected hand. Surgery must be indicated within the framework of a structured medical and surgical approach that considers the whole patient. Surgical treatment at the wrist level is indicated in cases of resistant chronic pain, persistent articular synovitis, or chronic tenosynovitis and also in cases of painful limitation of supination, risk of complications due to wrist deformity and tendinous or neurological complications. The surgical goal in RA is to restore correct function but not neccessarily normal anatomy, with the goal of achieving a painless, stable wrist, correctly positioned. Motion depends on the status of the different joints and on the bone stock. Knowledge of the natural progression of the disease helps in the surgical decision making process. The pathogenesis and patterns of deformity, the clinical and X-ray appearances and the various techniques applied to the surgery of the rheumatoid wrist are studied and discussed including palmar wrist and dorsal wrist procedures, conservative and non-conservative options.

Arthroscopic synovectomy in wrist arthritis

Arthroscopic synovectomy is a safe outpatient procedure with minimal postoperative morbidity. In patients who have rheumatoid arthritis and possibly also in patients who have JRA, SLE, and postinfectious arthritis, a long period of increased comfort and improved function can be anticipated. The procedure may be considered in post-traumatic cases with joint contracture and as an adjunct to other measures for certain osteoarthritic disorders. In patients who have septic arthritis with insufficient clinical improvement after systemic antibiotics and lavage, arthroscopic synovectomy seems advantageous.