The efficacy and safety of radiosynovectomy

Radiosynovectomy using injections of gold 198, yttrium 90 or phosophorus 32 colloiperformeds has been performed in cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and other degenerative joint diseases. A review of the literature shows that despite uncontrolled evidence that radiosynovectomy is a useful procedure for intractable synovitis (mainly of the larger joints), both the short and long term benefits in RA and the seronegative arthritides need to be clarified through carefully controlled, prospective studies. The procedure in experienced hands is safe, and therefore, except in the very young and those with a very thick synovium, is preferred to surgical synovectomy. The introduction of new isotopes for this treatment should be viewed with caution