PATIENT SATISFACTION FOLLOWING RADIOACTIVE SYNOVECTOMY IN NONHEMOPHILIC SYNOVITIS

Objective: to evaluate satisfaction rates of nonhemophilic synovitis patients who underwent radioactive synovectomy (ras), to outline the factors influencing patient satisfaction. material and methods: ras was performed to 31 nonhemophilic patients between 2002 and 2013; 21 patients were reached and agreed to make an interview on the phone. twenty five of 30 joints were knee, two were elbow, and three were ankle; 41 injections were performed. twenty six joints had surgical synovectomy. primary complaints before and after ras, patients’ perception of benefits, subsidence and recurrence of swelling and patient satisfaction were questioned. an over the phone knee evaluation form was filled which scored pain and functionality. results: swelling was the primary complaint in 23 joints (76.7%). first ras injection was beneficial for 14 joints (46.7%), partially beneficial for four (13.3%), and not beneficial for 12 (40%). swelling subsided completely in 19 joints (63.3%), partially in three (10%); recurred in 10 joints (33.3%). satisfaction rate was 66.7%. median values for pain and function scores were both 80. the ones without a specific rheumatic disease had significantly better pain scores (p=0.031), and were more satisfied with the procedure (p=0.045). patient satisfaction was influenced by persistence and recurrence of swelling and restriction of walking. conclusion: satisfaction rate of patients without a rheumatic disease was significantly higher. in case of systemic diseases, obtaining durable successful outcomes is more challenging. swelling was the most influential factor on satisfaction. in cases of high recurrence risk, ras is an alternative to avoid multiple operations.