Background: Radiosynoviorthesis (RSO) provides a simple method for the treatment of patients with chronic synovitis and has only few side effects.
Objectives: Evidence-based indications and contraindications for performing RSO based on the current literature are presented.
Material and methods: Published information on the indications and contraindications for performing RSO in chronic synovitis were analyzed and summarized.
Results: According to the guideline recommendations of the German Society of Rheumatology indications for RSO are given in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, seronegative spondyloarthropathy, crystal arthropathy, villonodular synovitis and hemophilia with recurrent joint bleeding. Osteoarthritis with documented reactive synovitis is also regarded as an indication in the guidelines of the nuclear medicine societies. The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the German Society of Rheumatology (DGRh) have given no recommendations for using RSO in osteoarthritis. Given the correct indications RSO shows high success rates.
Conclusion: The effects of RSO with the named secondary side effects last on average for 5 years. Crucial for the success of RSO are the correct indications, the correct timing and combination with other therapeutic procedures, such as surgical synovectomy.
Keywords: Indications; Joint effusion; Radionuclide; Synovectomy; Synovitis.