Chromosomal damage after intra-articular injection of different colloids of yttrium 90

Chromosomal damage to circulating lymphocytes occurs following injection of intra-articular radio-isotopes. Differences in the degree of chromosomal damage have been shown with various colloidal forms of yttrium 90, and the severity of these changes has been shown to correlate with the degree of leakage of radio-isotope to the draining lymph node rather than with whole-body irradiation. The long-term significance of these changes is not yet known, but it is clearly prudent to use the colloidal form least associated with chromosomal damage.