Effects and side effects of radiosynovectomy with Yttrium 90 on rheumatic joint cartilage

8 and 12 weeks after Synovectomy with Yttrium 90, cartilage specimens from the femoral condyle of 8 patients with R.A. were examined. Cellular and matrix damage could be detected. Intracellular particles containing Circonium, an Yttrium decay-product could be found using microprobe X-ray analysis. This was verified in experimentally induced arthritis in the rat.