Radiosynovectomy Is a Procedure in Which Radionucleotides Are Injected Into an Arthritic Joint

What is Radiosynovectomy?

Radiosynovectomy is a procedure in which radionucleotides are injected into an arthritic joint.

The radionucleotides emit beta rays which are absorbed by Phagocytic cells and then transmitted to the synovium.

If the amount of radioactivity injected is large enough, the arthritic tissue will be destroyed.
Regenerated tissue will be asymptomatic
for 2-5 years.

Radiosynovectomy is the process used in the case of failed systemic/biologic treatment.

Radiosynovectomy and the use of y-90 colloid

How it may be the life changing operation you were hoping for!

How the Procedure is done

The procedure is done under sterile technique. You will be injected with anesthetic and will feel very little discomfort.

The needle will be inserted into the joint and as much fluid as possible will be withdrawn. Patients will then be injected with the Yttrium-90 colloid.

After the injection, patients will be fitted with a soft cast to immobilize the joint or will be administered crutches if the injection took place in a weight-bearing joint.

You may have a picture taken of the activity in the joint then you will be allowed to go home.

What to expect

Improvement is unlikely within the first 14 days of the injection and in certain instances; response may be delayed by up to 1 month, with further improvements up to 6 months.

Occasionaly, a temporary increase in synovitis (and pain) may follow the treatment.

The procedure is 60-80% effective and can be repeated after 6 months.

Before and after with use of Radionuclides (Y-90 colloid)

Indications for Radiosynovectomy

Usually, patients considered for RSV have a history of at least one intraarticular injection of a long-acting glucocorticoid without sufficient therapeutic effect. They usually will have pain severe enough to limit their normal activity and to require regular intake of systemic analgesics.

Other indications include:

·  Rheumatoid Arthritis

·  Seronegative spondyloarthropathy

·  Chronic pyrophosphate arthropathy

·  Pigmented villonodular synovitis

·  Hemarthrosis or synovitis in the hemophiliac

Radiosynovectomys should not be prescribed for anyone who has a ruptured Baker’s cyst (knee), pregnancy, breast feeding, local skin infection, and massive hemarthrosis