Farwaniya Hospital’s NMD treats knee conditions with radioactive materials

Dr. Zeina Al-Banna, Head of the Nuclear Medicine Department at Farwaniya Hospital, announced the successful injection of radioactive materials into 80 knee joints at the hospital. This groundbreaking technique, exclusive to the hospital, addresses cases of synovitis and rheumatic arthritis, providing an alternative for cases unresponsive to conventional drug or surgical treatments.

In a press statement, Dr. Al-Banna highlighted the department’s unique position as the leading and sole center in Kuwait’s government sector hospitals for administering radioactive materials to treat arthritis. Synovitis, a benign tumor in the knee joint, is among the conditions effectively treated by this method, reports Al-Jarida daily.

Patients referred to the Nuclear Medicine Department come from both government and private sectors, referred by orthopedists and rheumatologists. The department conducts comprehensive preliminary examinations, utilizing nuclear scanning, X-rays, ultrasound, or magnetic resonance imaging to assess the knee joint’s activity and exclude any contraindications for injections and treatment.

Following the injection procedure, patients are advised complete rest for 48 hours. Dr. Al-Banna emphasized that the doctors in the department have undergone specialized training in this technique in Germany.

Explaining the process, she noted that initial examinations, including a bone examination, are performed to confirm the knee tumor’s activity. Ultrasound scans evaluate the synovial membrane’s thickness and identify any potential contraindications. After collecting necessary information, patients are evaluated to determine the treatment’s responsiveness.

Farwaniya Hospital’s Nuclear Medicine Department stands at the forefront of innovative medical approaches, providing successful treatments for knee conditions through the application of radioactive materials.