Late clinical, plain X-ray and magnetic resonance imaging findings in haemophilic joints treated with radiosynoviorthesis

Abstract

The clinical, plain X‐ray and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings were studied in 13 haemophilic joints previously treated with radiosynoviorthesis. ³²P had been injected into the joints at a median of 16 years earlier in an attempt to halt recurrent haemorrhage. Prior to ³²P injection, the majority of joints demonstrated bone damage evident on plain X‐ray, secondary to recurrent haemorrhage. At the follow‐up evaluation we found plain X‐rays were adequate to identify cysts, erosions and cartilage loss in these very damaged joints. MRI was superior to clinical examination and plain X‐ray in identifying synovial hyperplasia and effusions.