PREPARATION:
- There is no specific preparation.
- This treatment is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Hemophiliac patients should undergo prior evaluation at their reference hemophilia center to confirm the indication for synovectomy and establish the prophylactic drug regimen before the procedure.
- Bring all imaging tests regarding the joint that will be treated.
- Before the procedure, the patient must have an appointment with the nuclear medicine physician, who will assess the patient’s clinical conditions and discuss the case with the referring physician.
HOW IS THERAPY PERFORMED?
After filling out the registration form at the reception, the patient will undergo a brief clinical interview to check their data. Then, they will be sent to the clinic’s resting room or to the ultrasound service (if the injection is guided by ultrasound).
A puncture of the joint will be performed (see image below) and a small amount of joint fluid will be aspirated.
With the needle inside the joint, the syringe will be replaced by another containing the radioactive material and corticosteroids, which will be infused slowly. At the end of the infusion, the needle and syringe will be removed and the joint will be mobilized, with flexion and extension. Subsequently, the joint will be immobilized with an orthopedic splint and must remain within it for 48 hours.
After the procedure, the patient will be sent to the exam room for image acquisition. They will be positioned on the device’s gurney and should remain lying motionless for about 30 minutes.
Then, the patient will be discharged, being instructed to rest in the first week after treatment. If the treatment is for the knees or ankles, the patient should avoid stepping on the ground.
Note: a) women should not get pregnant for at least 6 months after treatment.
b) the patient should avoid staying too close (less than 1 meter away) to people, especially pregnant women and children, for the first two days after treatment.
c) when going to the bathroom, the patient should flush the toilet 2 to 3 times during the first two days.
OE 081 – Version: 00/2024
Made by: DIMEN Technical Team
