Radiosynovectomy

Radiosynovectomy (RSV) is a local intra-articular injection of radionuclides in colloidal form for radiotherapy. RSV relieves pain and inflammation from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), for which it initially was used, and is accepted as an alternative to surgical synovectomy. Clinical history of the patient and disability of the joint are not enough to decide RSV and a dedicated interdisciplinary team (e.g., hematology, rheumatologist, orthopedic surgeon, and nuclear medicine physician) consisting of referring physician should be necessary to consider RSV application. Reported success rates range from 40% to 90% for the different joints and underlying diseases. RSV should be considered the initial therapeutic option for the treatment of patients with hemophilic hemarthrosis. RSV injections should be performed under fluoroscopy or ultrasonography examination with appropriate size needle and preferred approach according target joint anatomy.