Chemical synoviorthesis with oxytetracycline clorhydrate (Emicine) in recurrent haemarthrosis

Chromic phosphate-32 colloid radiosynovectomy for the treatment of haemophilic synovitis: A long-term follow-up study

AIM

We previously reported the outcome of chromic phosphate-32(³² P) colloid synoviorthesis in 53 haemophilic patients with an average follow-up of 31 months. The purpose of the present study was the long-term follow-up of the same cohort on both clinical and radiographic features.

MATERIALS

Nine patients failed to attend the recall appointment. The mean follow-up for the remaining 44 patients (52 procedures) was 15 years (range, 14.6-15.5). The mean age at the time of reassessment was 31 years (range, 18-43).

RESULTS

The haemarthrosis frequency was not statistically significant at the latest follow-up years compared with 31 months (0.8 vs 0.4 per week, P = .3). There was no significant change in the clinical severity of haemophilic arthropathy (P = .5). Most of the treated joints still are in stage III of Fernandez-Palazzi and Caviglia classification. There was a trend towards the radiologic deterioration of arthritis with nearly 50% of patients at Arnold-Hilgartner Stage V. 13% of patients underwent a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The age at which the initial radiosynovectomy was performed was significantly higher in patients who had a TKA than those who had not (22 vs 15 years, P < .002).

CONCLUSION

The bleeding control effect of 32P on the target joint remains over time; however, it did not appear to halt the progression of radiographic changes in haemophiliacs. It could delay the need for TKA if it performs at the right time.

Hip Arthropathy in Haemophilia

Hip arthropathy in haemophilic patients is disabling for hip and other common target joints. Even if bleedings in the hip are not frequent, femoroacetabular alterations may affect the functional ability of patients at a very young age. A haematologic prophylaxis combined with an adequate lifestyle and regular and low-traumatic physical activity are the keys to preventing such arthropathy. In the early stages of arthropathy, anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy may be sufficient to limit its progression. In cases of recurrent symptoms, viscosupplementation with hyaluronic acid, and chemical synoviorthesis are useful options. In more advanced stages, hip arthroscopy may be treated by synovectomy or loose body removal. For late stages, total hip arthroplasty (THA) is mandatory. Until a few decades ago, the clinical outcomes after hip arthroplasty were variable, due to the different management of patients and the use of old generation implants and couplings. In the last decade, the introduction of the multidisciplinary management and the use of modern cementless implants with high performing materials and less invasive surgical techniques have dramatically improved the functional results. Nowadays, as is the case for other target joints, the purpose of the management in haemophilia centers is the early detection of any hip alterations—by clinical and ultrasound (US) evaluations of patients in childhood—to reveal any early articular damage and to provide adequate treatment in case of symptoms. The present paper represents an updated review of the several approaches to hip arthropathy in haemophilia.