Chemical synoviorthesis for hemophilic synovitis
Caviglia, H.A.; Fernández-Palazzi, F.; Maffei, E.; Galatro, G.; Barrionuevo, A.
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research 343: 30-36
1997
ISSN/ISBN: 0009-921X PMID: 9345202 Document Number: 471580
For many years, Rifampicin has been used empirically for the treatment of hemophilic chronic synovitis with encouraging results. A study was performed in which Rifampicin was shown to reduce the inflammation of joints affected by hemophilic synovitis. A clinical study was performed on 48 hemophilic patients (48 joints). Seventeen elbows, eight knees, and 23 ankles were treated. The mean age of the patients was 6 years (range, 4-23 years) and the mean followup was 29 months (range, 24-53 months). Overall, 40 excellent results and eight good results were obtained. The average number of weekly injections of Rifampicin was 3.06 (range, 1-10 injections). Eight patients experienced pain on the first injection, which subsided gradually with the subsequent procedures. Synoviorthesis with Rifampicin seems to be a good method for the treatment of hemophilic synovitis, especially in small joints (elbows and ankles) and in younger children.