A STUDY OF HISTOPATHOLOGICAL SPECTRUM OF SYNOVECTOMY AND SYNOVIAL BIOPSIES.

Background: The synovium, a soft tissue lining diarthrodial joints, tendon sheaths, and bursae, plays a pivotal role in various arthritides. This study aims to evaluate the histopathological spectrum of synovectomy and synovial biopsies, assessing their diagnostic value in neoplastic, granulomatous diseases, and infections. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Pathology at Siddhartha Medical College, Vijayawada, from January 2021 to January 2023. A total of 100 synovectomies and synovial biopsies, obtained via open or arthroscopic methods, were included. Samples were fixed in 10% buffered formalin, processed, and stained using hematoxylin and eosin and special stains as necessary. Clinical, demographic, histopathological, radiological, and serological data were reviewed. Results: The study revealed a higher prevalence of synovial lesions in individuals aged 51-70 years (38%) and 71-90 years (32%), with females predominantly affected (60%). Inflammatory joint diseases comprised 40% of cases, with chronic nonspecific synovitis (18%) being the most common. Septic arthritis (10%), tuberculous synovitis (6%), and rheumatoid arthritis (6%) were also notable. Degenerative joint diseases accounted for 22% of cases, including osteoarthritis (10%), gout (3%), pseudogout (3%), ochronosis (2%), and avascular necrosis (5%). Tumor and tumor-like lesions constituted 37% of cases, with giant cell tumor of the tendon sheath (15%) and synovial chondromatosis (8%) being prominent. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the diagnostic value of histopathological examination in early and ambiguous cases of synovial pathology. The prevalence of inflammatory, degenerative, and tumor-like conditions reflects the necessity for comprehensive evaluation in managing joint diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]