Effect of exercise on 99mTc-DTPA clearance from knees with effusions.
OBJECTIVE
To devise and use a method for assessing the effect of dynamic exercise on synovial blood flow in knees with effusions.


METHODS
The clearance rate of intraarticular 99mTc-DTPA (diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid) was continuously monitored by a gamma camera during periods of rest or flexion. The rate of 99mTc-DTPA disappearance during a fixed period of exercise which was interposed between 2 rest periods was estimated by extrapolation between the clearance curves for the 2 rest periods.


RESULTS
Cycling and walking increased the clearance rate, straight leg raising had no effect, and flexion decreased the clearance rate.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that some dynamic exercises can increase the rate of synovial blood flow in joints with effusions. This outcome may be beneficial in inflamed joints which are chronically hypoxic due to elevated intraarticular pressure and consequent chronic synovial ischemia.
James
M J
MJ
Rheumatology Unit, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Australia.
Cleland
L G
LG
Gaffney
R D
RD
Proudman
S M
SM
Chatterton
B E
BE
D001168:Arthritis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D001642:Bicycling; D005122:Exudates and Transudates / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007511:Ischemia / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000378:metabolism; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D007773:Lactates / Q000378:metabolism; D019344:Lactic Acid; D009068:Movement; D005082:Physical Exertion; D011187:Posture; D011312:Pressure; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D016284:Technetium Tc 99m Pentetate / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D016138:Walking
D007773:Lactates; D019344:Lactic Acid; D016284:Technetium Tc 99m Pentetate