Radiosynovectomy, isotope treatment of joints
Isotope synovectomy is a widely recognised method of treating synovitis of the joints.
In a healthy person, the synovial membrane lines the inside of the joint and produces synovial fluid. When inflammation occurs, the synovial membrane becomes swollen, thickened and increasingly well-perfused, and there is an overproduction of synovial fluid, which causes pain and restricted mobility.
Radioactive isotopes (Yttrium-90, Erbium-169, Rhenium-186) emit high-energy beta radiation, but its penetration depth in tissues is limited to a few millimetres. As a result, it acts almost exclusively within the joint. Exposure of other tissues and the body as a whole is therefore minimal. Beta radiation also has only a negligible effect on the patient’s surroundings.
Eligibility for isotope therapy is assessed by a specialist in nuclear medicine on the basis of a referral from a GP, an orthopaedic surgeon, a rheumatologist or another specialist. At our centre, all therapeutic procedures involving intra-articular administration of an isotope are carried out with precision under the guidance of state-of-the-art imaging techniques (ultrasound and CT), ensuring that the procedure is minimally invasive and enhancing the effectiveness of treatment. The procedures are performed by specialists in both nuclear medicine and radiology and diagnostic imaging.
Rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis
Joint inflammation associated with haemophilia
Joint inflammation of another aetiology
Synovial hyperplasia
Synovial hyperplasia following joint replacement
Exudative arthritis associated with degenerative changes
Absolute contraindications
Relative contraindications
Isotope therapy is generally well tolerated; the risk of complications is very low, similar to that following other intra-articular injections.
The effects of the treatment can be expected to become apparent around 2–4 weeks after treatment.
Where clinically indicated, isotope therapy may be repeated; it is also possible to administer the isotope to another affected joint.
Please note!
If you experience any worrying symptoms, you should consult your treating doctor or the doctor who referred you.
Radiosynovectomy is a procedure reimbursed by the National Health Fund (NFZ) under separately contracted procedures – the referring healthcare facility does not contribute to the cost of the procedure in any way.
In order for a patient to be assessed and for the procedure to be carried out under the National Health Fund (NFZ) scheme, a referral must be correctly issued by a general practitioner or a specialist and must meet the following conditions:
Following a positive assessment at the nuclear medicine clinic, the patient is referred for isotope therapy, which is provided free of charge under a contract with the National Health Fund
We are one of the very few centres to offer isotope therapy for large, medium and small joints alike.
To book an appointment, please send your referral to the following email address:
