The synovium can only reabsorb a small amount of blood, so if there is a lot of bleeding the area becomes swollen and inflamed. With repeated bleeding into the joints, the synovium becomes thickened and the cartilage begins to deteriorate. The blood in the space breaks down and blood products such as iron and enzymes are released, which damage joint cartilage. Scar tissue may form, which severely limits joint motion. This becomes a vicious cycle of damage that causes more bleeds to occur.
Synovectomy may be performed to reduce the synovium, which will help to decrease the frequency of joint bleeds and slow the progression of joint damage. To learn more about synovectomy click here
