International Journal of Orthopaedics Sciences

A prospective study for definitive diagnosis of various arthropathies by synovial fluid analysis and percutaneous needle biopsy of synovium

2018, Volume 4 Issue 4

A prospective study for definitive diagnosis of various arthropathies by synovial fluid analysis and percutaneous needle biopsy of synovium

Author(s): Dr. Loya Lavakumar S and Dr. Madhusudhan R
Abstract: Objectives: To evolve a diagnostic pattern of synovial fluid analysis, thus determining the usefulness of routine synovial fluid analysis as a simple diagnostic aid in various forms of arthritis.
Background: Synovial fluid analysis is a simple, inexpensive investigation, whereby, based on simple laboratory tests and the physical characteristics of the synovial fluid, definitive diagnosis of various arthritis could be arrived at. Synovial fluid aspiration is a simple OPD procedure. It does not need much expertise. It could be performed in all hospitals including the primary health centre.
Methods: 50 patients with joint effusion attending the orthopaedic outpatient department of our hospital, were selected at random. They were examined clinically, subjected to routine laboratory investigations, radiology and then synovial fluid aspiration was done under aseptic precautions and sent to biochemistry, pathology and microbiology departments for synovial fluid analysis. Doubtful cases based on synovial fluid analysis reports, were subjected to histopathological examination.
Results: Out of the 50 cases, 13 cases were diagnosed as osteoarthritis, 12 as traumatic arthritis/ haemarthrosis, 6 patients were diagnosed as tuberculous arthritis, 5 as septic arthritis and 5 patients as rheumatoid arthritis. One case each was diagnosed as gouty arthritis and neuropathic joint effusion. 7 cases were diagnosed as chronic non-specific synovitis as no definitive diagnosis could be arrived at, after interpreting the synovial fluid analysis findings and histopathological examination.
Interpretation and Conclusion: Synovial fluid analysis is a satisfactory procedure in terms of both diagnosis as well as patient’s compliance point of view, especially in a patient of rural area and lower socio-economic strata. Diagnosis of various arthropathies can be obtained and obtained early in a significant number of cases. The technique can eliminate unnecessary treatment and possibly, the need for an arthrotomy.
Pages: 123-128  |  1149 Views  87 Downloads
How to cite this article:
Dr. Loya Lavakumar S, Dr. Madhusudhan R. A prospective study for definitive diagnosis of various arthropathies by synovial fluid analysis and percutaneous needle biopsy of synovium. Int J Orthop Sci 2018;4(4):123-128. DOI: 10.22271/ortho.2018.v4.i4c.22
 
International Journal of Orthopaedics Sciences
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