Radiosynoviorthesis for the treatment of joint diseases

Radiosinoviorthesis is a method of nuclear therapy for joint diseases, based on the use of radioisotopes for the treatment of inflammatory processes and pain. This type of treatment can be effective for rheumatoid arthritis or arthrosis (for example, in the knee joint or polyarthritis).

The main advantage of this therapy is that timely radiosynoviorthesis can slow or stop the progression of the disease, and the method can be used to help patients at high surgical risk.

The procedure can be repeated once or twice at short intervals without any problems. In this case, there is practically no radiation exposure, since the radius of action of the rays is only a few millimeters.

The therapy itself has been successfully used for more than 20 years.

How is the treatment carried out?

Using a puncture needle, a radioactive drug is injected into the joint under X-ray or ultrasound guidance. Apart from the pain from the needle puncture, the patient does not experience any pain. The radiopharmaceuticals used are so-called ß-emitters. They have a very short range of action in tissue - from half a millimeter to four millimeters.

The radiopharmaceutical is absorbed by the surface cells of the joint membrane so that it can develop its effect there. Over time, there is a gradual decrease in swelling of the mucous membrane, a decrease in the amount of joint effusion, and the thin nerve endings are switched off, due to which the pain decreases or disappears, and the function of the joint improves. These effects come gradually, sometimes after a few days, sometimes only after a few weeks. The final effect can be assessed after six months.

After radiosynoviorthesis, the treated joints should be immobilized with a plaster cast or splint for approximately 48 hours. Rest during the week is also important.