On the Presence of Rheumatoid Factor in Joints before and after Synovectomy

Summary

The presence of rheumatoid factor in synovial fluid has been investigated before and after synovectomy. The sensitized sheep cell test (SSC) and acryl fixation test were used. Fourteen patients representing 18 knee joints in which synovectomy was performed, showed the same immunologic conditions in the synovial fluid before and after the surgical procedure. The relationship between the presence of immunoglobulins and certain structural features in the synovial tissue is discussed.