Strontium (⁸⁵SR) Scintigrams of the Sacro-Iliacal Joints

Summary

The techniques generally applied in x-ray examinations of the sacro-iliac joints, including tomography, very rarely show a positive result in early cases of sacro-ileitis. A description is given of the technique we use. Photos demonstrate that a negative plain x-ray examination of the sacro-iliac joints may coincide with a positive scintigram, an indication of increased isotope uptake by way of the sacro-iliac joints. The investigation can contribute to an earlier diagnosis of e. g. Reiter's syndrome, spondylarthritis or psoriatic arthritis. In addition, an increased uptake of ⁸⁵Sr seems to run parallel with a greater activity of the sacro-iliac process.