What is synovitis of the knee joint?

Synovitis is inflammation of the synovial membrane lining the knee joint from the inside. During inflammation, the membrane produces excess fluid (effusion), leading to swelling, pain, and limited mobility.

Synovitis is not an independent disease, but a manifestation of an intra-articular problem: osteoarthritis, meniscus injury, trauma, autoimmune process. Therefore, treatment should target the cause, not just the symptom.

Causes of synovitis:

  • Osteoarthritis — chronic inflammation due to cartilage destruction (most common cause)
  • Meniscus Tear — fragments irritate the synovial membrane
  • Trauma — contusion, sprain, ligament tear
  • Gout and chondrocalcinosis — crystalline arthropathies
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis — autoimmune inflammation
  • Infection — septic synovitis (requires urgent treatment)

Facts about synovitis

  • ICD-10: M65.9
  • Most common cause: knee osteoarthritis
  • Problem with punctures: fluid returns in days-weeks
  • Problem with steroids: cartilage atrophy with repeated injections
  • Key: elimination of the cause, not the symptom

Symptoms of synovitis

Typical symptoms

  • Knee swelling (patellar ballotment)
  • Pain with movement and at rest
  • Sensation of heaviness and distension
  • Local temperature increase
  • Limited flexion/extension
  • Morning stiffness

Forms of synovitis

  • Acute — pronounced symptoms, rapid swelling
  • Chronic — moderate effusion, exacerbations and remissions
  • Recurrent — recurs after punctures and treatment
  • Proliferative — thickening of the synovial membrane

Vicious cycle of synovitis

  • Osteoarthritis → inflammation → effusion
  • Puncture → temporary relief → recurrence
  • Steroids → inflammation suppression → cartilage destruction
  • Regenerative treatment eliminates the cause and breaks the cycle

How regenerative treatment treats synovitis

01

Identifying the cause

MRI and ultrasound of the knee joint identify the cause of synovitis — osteoarthritis, meniscus tear, loose bodies, synovial membrane thickening. The treatment plan targets elimination of the cause.

02

Obtaining concentrates

From blood — CGF with potent anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1Ra, IL-10). From adipose tissue — MFAT with stem cells for regeneration of damaged tissues.

03

Injection into the joint

Under Ultrasound guidance guidance, concentrates are injected into the joint cavity. Anti-inflammatory factors normalize synovial membrane function, stem cells restore damaged cartilage and menisci — the cause of inflammation.

04

Eliminating the cause

Regenerative treatment acts on two levels: rapidly reduces inflammation (days) and eliminates its cause — regenerates cartilage, restores meniscus (weeks-months). Result — resolution of effusion without recurrence.

Regenerative method Advantages

A broad range of indications

Regenerative methods are used for many orthopaedic and spinal conditions. Some cases still call for surgery.

No anesthesia or incisions

Outpatient treatment via 0.3-1.5 mm puncture. No general anesthesia or hospitalization.

No age restrictions

Regeneration at any age. Safe for chronic conditions and anesthesia intolerance.

Rapid improvement

Concentrates have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Relief within days.

Multiple zones at once

Simultaneous treatment of multiple discs or joints in one procedure.

Home the same day

No crutches, braces or rehabilitation needed. MRI follow-up at 8-16 weeks.

Regenerative treatment Technology

Navigation system for minimally invasive access

Navigation system

Intraoperative robotic navigation system. Provides precise access to deep structures with 1 mm and 1 degree accuracy.

Ultrasound guidance during the procedure

Ultrasound guidance

Device for intervention under sonographic control. Eliminates open surgeries with real-time visual monitoring.

More about technologies →

Frequently asked questions about synovitis treatment

Why is regenerative treatment better than puncture and steroids?
Puncture only removes fluid — it returns in days-weeks. Steroids relieve inflammation for 4-12 weeks, but repeated injections destroy cartilage. Regenerative treatment eliminates the cause of synovitis — restores damaged structures (cartilage, menisci), normalizes synovial membrane. The effect is long-lasting, without side effects.
How quickly will the swelling go down?
The anti-inflammatory effect of CGF appears in the first days. Noticeable reduction in swelling — within 1-2 weeks. Complete resolution of effusion — in 3-6 weeks, as tissues causing inflammation regenerate. This is slower than with steroids, but the effect is long-lasting.
Can synovitis and osteoarthritis be treated simultaneously?
This is exactly what regenerative treatment does. Synovitis in osteoarthritis is a consequence of cartilage destruction. Regenerative treatment simultaneously reduces inflammation (anti-inflammatory factors) and initiates Effect on cartilage tissue. The comprehensive approach eliminates both the symptom and the cause.
Will synovitis return after regenerative treatment?
The risk of recurrence is significantly lower than after punctures or steroids, because regenerative treatment eliminates the cause of inflammation. If osteoarthritis was the cause — cartilage regeneration reduces production of inflammatory mediators. Moderate physical activity is recommended to maintain the result.

Other conditions: Knee Joint

Knee ArthritisMeniscus TearCruciate Ligament TearChondromalaciaLeg Axis DeformityPatellar Tendinopathy

Also treated with regenerative methods

Herniated DiscSpinal StenosisOsteochondrosisSpondylolisthesis
All treatment areas: SpineHip JointShoulder JointHand & WristFoot & Ankle
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