Synovial thickening indicates primary inflammation of the synovia and differentiates this from a secondary synovitis.
A primary synovitis is present in:
- monarticular steroid-sensitive arthritis
- rheumatic (poly)arthritis
The thickening is best palpated laterally, over the head of the radius:
When the elbow is flexed to 90° the head of the radius and the covering capsule lie relatively free between the tendons of the mm. extensor carpi ulnaris and extensores digitorum.
The capsule is palpated by rolling the
structures between fingertip and radial head.