A controlled trial of intra-articular radiocolloids versus surgical synovectomy in persistent synovitis.
The results of a randomised trial of irradiation of the knee (synoviorthése), by intra-articular injection of yttrium-90, and surgical synovectomy have been compared in twenty knees in seventeen patients.  The mean length of follow-up was 2 years.  Relapse occurred in three out of ten irradiated knees, and in 2 out of 10 operated knees.  Fewer irradiated knees were involved when generalised exacerbations of polyarthritis occurred.  Irradiation carries a lower risk of complications than does synovectomy, it is more acceptable to patients, requires fewer days in hospital, and is cheaper; it would seem to be the treatment of choice in the older patient.
D000368:Aged; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003102:Colloids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007270:Injections, Intra-Articular; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011868:Radioisotopes / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000074402:Synovectomy; D013585:Synovitis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D013997:Time Factors; D015020:Yttrium Isotopes / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000627:therapeutic use
D003102:Colloids; D011868:Radioisotopes; D015020:Yttrium Isotopes