LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP OF RADIOSYNOVECTOMY WITH Y-90 SILICATE IN HEMOPHILIC HEMARTHROSIS

Objectives-The aim of this study was to evaluate the long term effect of radiation synovectomy with yttrium-90 silicate in haemophiliac pati ents with recurrent haemarthrosis. Methods-The bleeding frequency and the mobility of the joint were recorded in 16 joints of 14 patients 1 year before radiosynovectomy and during follow up, which ranged from 3 to 6 years. Patients evaluated the effect of their own treatment by c ompleting a questionnaire. Radiographs of the joints were scored by an independent radiologist before treatment. Results-A satisfactory redu ction of the frequency of haemorrhage was achieved in 94% of joints du ring the first year after treatment and was maintained in 63% until th e end of the follow up period. In general there was no decrease in mob ility attributable to radiosynovectomy, and the patients' own evaluati ons agreed with the evaluations based on the frequencies of haemarthro sis in 75%. Patients who had only minor, or no, radiological abnormali ties of the joints before treatment showed the best results. One patie nt developed synovitis as a complication of the radiosynovectomy. Conc lusion-Radiosynovectomy is an effective and safe treatment for recurre nt haemarthrosis in haemophiliac patients, especially in those who hav e joints with no or minor radiological damage.