What is the BEST term to describe a surgical procedure to remove the lining of a joint?

The best term to describe a surgical procedure specifically aimed at removing the lining of a joint is synovectomy. This procedure involves excising the synovial membrane, which is the tissue that lines the joints and produces synovial fluid. It is often indicated in cases of chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, where the synovium may be hypertrophied or diseased.

Osteotomy refers to a surgical procedure that involves cutting a bone to change its alignment or to relieve pain and improve function, rather than involving the joint lining directly. Arthrodesis is a procedure to fuse two bones across a joint, providing stability but not removing any joint linings. Arthrotomy involves making an incision into the joint capsule to allow for access to the joint itself, typically for diagnostic or other surgical interventions, but it does not specifically refer to the removal of the synovial lining. Therefore, synovectomy accurately captures the essence of the procedure described in the question.