Synovectomy: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Synovectomy?
A primary care doctor often starts by examining the joint and ordering tests. If surgery might be needed, they refer the patient to an orthopedic surgeon, who performs the synovectomy. A rheumatologist, who treats joint and immune diseases, may also be involved.
What it is
A synovectomy is an operation to remove the synovium, the soft lining inside joints that makes fluid to keep them moving smoothly. When this lining becomes swollen and thick from disease, it can cause pain and damage. A surgeon removes some or all of the swollen lining, either through tiny cuts using a camera (arthroscopic surgery) or through one larger open cut.
Symptoms
People who need a synovectomy usually have joint problems first. The joint may hurt, swell, feel warm, or feel stiff, especially after rest, and some people feel a locking or catching sensation. These symptoms often come from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or a rare growth of joint lining called pigmented villonodular synovitis.
Causes and who gets it
Synovectomy is not a disease itself, so it has no causes of its own. It is a treatment for joint lining that has become inflamed or overgrown, most often from rheumatoid arthritis. Other reasons include pigmented villonodular synovitis, bleeding into the joint in people with hemophilia, and long-standing joint injury. Adults of any age can be candidates.
How doctors diagnose it
A doctor starts by asking about symptoms and examining the joint. Imaging tests such as X-rays and MRI scans show the bones and soft tissue, and blood tests can help find conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. Sometimes a small sample of the joint lining is checked under a microscope.
Treatment
Synovectomy is usually not the first step. Doctors often try medicines, physical therapy, or injections first, and offer surgery if those fail. In an arthroscopic synovectomy, the surgeon makes small cuts and uses a camera to guide removal of the lining; in an open synovectomy, a larger cut is used. Recovery takes weeks to months, and results differ, some people have lasting relief while others see symptoms return, especially if the underlying disease is still active.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if a joint stays painful, swollen, or stiff for more than a few days or keeps coming back. Get care sooner if the joint is very hot or red, or if you have a fever, since that can signal an infection needing fast treatment.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor is paid a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can examine the joint, order tests, start medicines, and arrange physical therapy. When a synovectomy looks likely, they refer the patient to an orthopedic surgeon and often stay involved during recovery.
Common questions
Does a synovectomy cure arthritis?
No. It removes swollen joint lining to ease pain and swelling, but it does not cure the disease that caused the problem. Symptoms can come back.
How long is recovery?
Recovery depends on the joint, the type of surgery, and the person. Many people walk with help within days after knee surgery, but full recovery often takes weeks to months.
Is the whole joint lining removed?
Not always. Surgeons remove as much swollen lining as they safely can, but some tissue is often left behind, which is why symptoms sometimes return.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
