SYNOVIUM IN HEMOPHILIC ARTHROPATHY

Synovium is an essential component of the joint and plays a critical r ole in maintaining a balance between physiological processes and patho logical changes in the joint. Recurrent intra-articular bleeding as oc cur in haemophilia induce pathological synovial changes in the joint. From a certain point on, synovitis inevitably plays a major role in jo int destruction, although in the early phase of haemophilic arthropath y its role may be secondary to cartilage damage as a result of the dir ect effects of blood on cartilage. The changed haemosiderotic, synovia l tissue produces catabolic cytokines and enzymes harmful for cartilag e.