When the lining membrane of a free-moving joint becomes inflamed, the disease is known as synovitis.

The attack may be acute or severe, subacute, or chronic, in which last case it continues for a more or less protracted period. The first and second forms may become resolved into the third.

Causes

Synovitis is for the most part induced by blows, sprains, and penetrating wounds; or it may follow upon exposure to cold and wet; or arise in the course of an attack of pyaemia, or after the ingestion of food or water contaminated with lead or copper smoke.