Question
Are osteomyelitis and synovitis the same disease? My father has osteomyelitis, and my brother says he knows this disease, which is actually synovitis. I think this is incorrect, and I want to know if these two diseases are the same. Are their treatment methods also the same? If not, where do the differences lie?
Answer
Osteomyelitis and synovitis are not the same disease. Osteomyelitis is a layer of fibrous tissue that surrounds the outer layer of bones, while synovitis is a layer of epithelial tissue that covers the inside of joint capsules. The periosteum is crucial for bone growth and repair, while synovium is responsible for secreting joint fluid, protecting joint lubricants, and nourishing joint cartilage. Both can develop aseptic inflammation, but since they occur in different locations, their treatment methods will not be completely identical.