[Knee radiosynovectomy with Y90 in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: our experiences]

In this study we resume the results of a twenty year-long experience with knee radiosynoviorthesis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We treated 840 patients; the total of treated knees was 1030; from our experience it arises that best and fastest results come from patients in stage I and higher; improvement is between 1st and 3rd year from first treatment in all patients considered. Best improvements occur in less severe patients; in most severe patients they last longer in time. Radioisotopic synoviectomy represents a good therapeutic goal; about 75% of patients shows a significant reduction in presenting numbers of knee swelling events and a benefit on the quality of life.