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Semin Thromb Hemost 2003; 29(1): 097-100
DOI: 10.1055/s-2003-37943
Copyright © 2003 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Radionuclide Synovectomy (Radiosynoviorthesis) in Hemophilia: A Very Efficient and Single Procedure

E. Carlos Rodriguez-Merchan
  • Consultant Orthopedic Surgeon, Service of Traumatology and Orthopedic Surgery and Hemophilia Center, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
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Publication History

Publication Date:
17 March 2003 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Radionuclide synovectomy, so-called radioactive synoviorthesis, is easy to perform and a not very expensive procedure (for example, $150 US for an adult knee). Moreover, it is very efficient in diminishing the frequency and intensity of recurrent hemarthrosis related to chronic hypertrophic hemophilic synovitis. It should be performed as soon as possible in order to try to halt the long-term damage that intra-articular blood will produce in the involved joint. Personal experience and the general recommendation among orthopedic surgeons and hematologists is that when three early consecutive synoviortheses (repeated every 3 months) fail to halt synovitis, a surgical synovectomy (open or by arthroscopy) should be immediately considered.

KEYWORD

Hemophilia - radioactive synoviorthesis - radionuclide synovectomy - economics