MAJOR AND MINOR ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY Because of frequent joint bleeds, minor and major orthopedic procedures are the most common elective procedures needed in people with hemophilia A or B with inhibitors. To learn more about your surgical procedure, select from the options in the drop down menu below. --Select a Surgical Procedure-- Joint Aspiration Synovectomy     Synoviorthesis     Arthroscopic Synovectomy     Open Synovectomy Joint Replacement     Knee Replacement     Hip Replacement     Shoulder Replacement Elbow Surgery Ankle Joint Fusion SYNOVECTOMY Synovectomy [pronounced SIN-o-VEK-to-me] is performed once chronic synovitis has developed, but should be done before irreversible joint damage occurs. It may reduce the frequency of acute bleeds and may help slow or prevent the destruction of the joint.2 Synovectomy is done to remove the swollen synovial tissue lining the joint. The synovial tissue grows wildly into the joint space as the damage occurs. A synovectomy may be done medically or surgically. A medical synovectomy is also called chemical synovectomy, synoviorthesis [pronounced si-NO-ve-or-THE-sis] or radiosynovectomy. A surgical synovectomy may be performed using an arthroscope or as an open procedure. After the synovectomy, a compression bandage is used for 3 or 4 days to help immobilize the joint, and then exercises and physical therapy should be started.13 Factor replacement therapy and a gradual rehabilitation program will be used to help you recover the maximum joint motion after about 2 weeks. After knee and ankle surgery, walking with the help of crutches is allowed after about 4 or 5 days. Total weight bearing is not allowed until the maximum range of motion is achieved. A radiosynovectomy is less invasive and usually has a faster recovery time, so it will usually be tried first. The synovium often grows back over time after surgery and the procedure may need to be done again.