THERAPY OF BILATERAL AVASCULAR NECROSIS OF THE FEMORAL CONDYLES BY SYNOVECTOMY, ARTHROLYSIS, AND ARTHROPLASTY IN ANTIPHOSPHOLIPID-ANTIBODY SYNDROME (APL)

A 22 year old male patient with antiphospholipid-antibody syndrome (AP L) developed severe bilateral avascular necrosis of both femoral condy les. Extensive synovectomy and arthrolysis in combination with an arth roplastic remodeling of both knee joints resulted in reduction of pain and joint effusion. Therefore, synovectomy and arthroplastic remodeli ng might be a promising therapy to extend the period of time to prosth etic joint replacement in young patients with APL.