Local invasive procedures represent possibilities for the treatment of arthritic swollen joints without surgical interventions, when general measures alone are not successful and intra-articular injections are of utmost importance in this context. The differences between degenerative and rheumatologic diseases must be considered as well as possible specific adverse reactions, side effects and contraindications. The technical intervention is performed according to the guidelines of scientific societies such as the Scientific Medical Profession Society (AWMF). Cortisone and radiosynoviorthesis/chemosynoviorthesis are suitable for activated rheumatic and degenerative joints, low-grade radiation therapy or infiltration of hyaluronic acid is recommended for relief in cases of arthritic inflammation. The combination of arthroscopic synovectomy and subsequent radiosynoviorthesis in the early stages of rheumatically swollen joints show the best results with respect to regression prophylaxis and slowing the process of rapidly progressing destruction of chondral surfaces and distension of the capsules and ligaments.
