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Shoulder Surgery for Synovial Problems

HSS is the #1 orthopedic hospital in the world and a national leader in rheumatology. This content was created by our physicians and experts.

The synovial membrane is found in joints like your knee and shoulder. This thin membrane surrounds the inner lining of your joint. Its main function is to create synovial fluid which lubricates and nourishes the joint. When part of your synovium becomes inflamed, it can often cause your entire joint to swell and become tender.

In this minimally invasive procedure, small incisions are made in the shoulder, into which a scope and a small specialized surgical instrument are inserted. Guided by the scope, the surgeon uses the instrument to trim and remove the inflamed portion of the synovium.

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