CONTROL OF THE SYNOVIUM IN HEMOPHILIA

Adequate factor substitution is a prerequisite for successful conserva tive or operative treatment of haemophilic synovitis. Subsequent proph ylactic factor substitution can prevent further joint problems in the future. Orthopaedic treatment regimes are dependent on the classificat ion of the synovitis and the stage of the arthropathy. Synovitis can b e classified into acute and chronic forms. The arthropathy is classifi ed according to Arnold and Hilgartner. When the synovitis has already become chronic, early arthroscopic synovectomy is recommended in order to prevent the otherwise inexorable progress of the arthropathy. Fail ure to treat in the early phase of the pathology causes problems in th e correction of further stages. The progression of the joint disease c an be shown both clincally and radiologically as the arthropathy devel ops, and influences the treatment.