As the joint surface wears away, it sheds particles which stimulate the joint lining to produce fluid.

Ligaments and other structures may be moved aside to access and remove the inflamed joint lining.

The ailment inflames and thickens the joint lining, or synovial membrane.

When the joint lining begins to grow abnormally, it may give a joint a mushy texture.

While not a major symptom of osteoarthritis, inflammation may occur in the joint lining as a response to the breakdown of cartilage.

Normally, the joint lining (synovium) is a single or few layers thick.

Gold salts can decrease the inflammation of the joint lining.

By the time we saw her, at age 28, she needed surgery to remove the inflamed joint lining in both knees.

Rheumatoid arthritis, on the other hand, occurs when the immune system goes haywire and begins attacking joint linings.

Yet in some painful and crippling cases, surgery is needed to remove the inflamed joint linings.