What does acute synovitis refer to?

Acute synovitis specifically refers to the inflammation of the synovial membrane, which is a crucial component of the joints. The synovial membrane is responsible for producing synovial fluid, which lubricates the joint and reduces friction during movement. When this membrane becomes inflamed, it can lead to swelling, pain, and increased warmth in the affected joint, which are common symptoms associated with synovitis. This condition can occur due to various factors, such as trauma, infection, or autoimmune diseases, and requires appropriate treatment to alleviate symptoms and restore joint function.

The other options pertain to different medical conditions unrelated to synovitis. Injury to the bone surface refers to fractures or other types of bone trauma, which do not involve the synovial membrane directly. A partial dislocation of a joint, also known as a subluxation, describes a situation where the bones in a joint are misaligned but not completely dislocated. Degenerative joint disease, commonly known as osteoarthritis, involves the degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone over time, and does not specifically address the acute inflammation of the synovial membrane.