[Synoviorthesis of the knee using osmic acid: apropos of 61 injections]

The authors report their experience of 61 injections of osmic acid into the knee during the course of rheumatoid polyarthritis. The results stated to be very good and good, are classified by the disappearance of pain, swelling and stiffness, or a improvement in any one of these criteria. As observed in 67% of cases at the third month the result following changed with time. While these favourable results persisted into the fifth month, there was a remarkable maintenance of them to the 30th month in those patients who it was able to follow so long. The most distinct and lasting results were seen in those joints which showed the least radiological change. Tolerance of the injection of osmic acid was satisfactory apart from several painful reactions which improved in the 24 hours following injection. Two cases of thrombo-phlebitis were seen and one case of rupture of the synovium. If the results obtained with osmic acid appear less impressive than those obtained with isotopes, the simplicity of the method attracts attention as it needs no complicated equipment and is applicable to young invalids.