Spontaneous intraarticular haemorrhages are the most frequent bleeding episodes encountered in the haemophiliac population, causing pain, joint deformity and arthropathy. Chronic haemophiliac arthropathy is characterised by persistent joint swelling, proliferative synovitis, and damage to or loss of articular cartilage. Elimination of the synovitis is the key to prevention of recurrent intraarticular haemorrhages and joint damage. The purpose of the study was to investigate the indications for, and outcome of, radioactive synoviorthesis for haemophiliac arthropathy. A retrospective study was done to assess the results of 12 intra-articular injections of radioactive Yttrium-90 colloid, performed in 10 patients from November 1993 to December 2006. Patients were referred by the Haematology Unit if they had a target joint, as defined as >2 bleeds into the same joint in the preceding 6 months. Follow up was conducted at 6 monthly intervals, assessing clinical and radiological outcomes. The radiological involvement of the target joint, the pre- and post-treatment range of movement, presence of synovitis and bleeding events were compared from presentation to that at follow up. Range of movement of each target joint was assessed and compared to that at follow-up.Purpose of the Study:
Methods:
