[Synoviorthese].

Among the various possibilities for local treatment of rheumatoid synovitis, intra-articular injection of corticosteroids has only a very temporary effect. The same can be said of local treatment with cytostatics, though the effect is somewhat longer-lived. After intra-articular treatment with 1% osmic acid, joint effusions in particular remain under control over a lengthy period of time. The most effective conservative local treatment appears to be radionuclide therapy, and in older patients it may be a true alternative to surgical synovectomy. Radionuclides with varying physical properties are administered according to the size of the joint. The dosage of these substances also depends on the size of the joint. If precautions are taken, side effects are rare.