Synovial biopsy by Franklin--Silverman needle.

Franklin-Silverman needles, commonly used for liver biopsies, were used for biopsy of synovia of 75 joints. The results indicate a higher percentage of success in obtaining pathologic specimens than with previously reported instruments. Complications were rare, with only milk transient hemarthrosis being found in 5 cases. For an accurate diagnosis, multiple specimens should be obtained since single specimens are too small to interpret histopathologically. Being simpler and safer, the Franklin-Silverman needle biopsy is recommended as a routine procedure for early diagnosis of synovial diseases of the joint in conjunction with joint aspiration. The success rate depends not only on the type of needle used but also on the proper selection of the biopsy site.