942 Outcome of Image Guided Intra-Articular Thumb Base Steroid Injections-Retrospective Study of Consecutive Patient Over 4 Years in A Plastic and Hand Surgery Unit in West Lothian, Scotland

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Osteoarthritis of the thumb base is a common condition. Usually effects the elderly population causing significant disability. Modalities of treatment of osteoarthritis which includes conservative measures, non-operative interventions, and surgery. In this study we endeavored to assess how effective are image guided steroid injections for base of thumb Osteoarthritis as assessed by subjective pain relief perceived by patient and what percentage of these patients proceed to operative treatment. Method Retrospective data between January 2015 and December 2018 of the patients who underwent Steroid injections to the Base of thumb joints (CMCJ and/or STTJ) for Osteoarthritis under image intensifier guidance was collected from Hospital management system –TRAK and eHealth services. Follow up of the patients were done for Maximum 1 to 5 years. Results A total number of 692 patients with thumb base osteoarthritis were included in the study of which 546 patients underwent Image guided steroid injection to the thumb base. The mean Age of patients was 64.5 years and the Female: Male ratio was 401:145. Mean number of injections each patient received- 3.25 (1 – 7 times). Pain relief after first, second and third injections were 3.15 months, 2.63 and 1.75 months, respectively. 127 (23.2% of injections patients) underwent trapeziectomy. Mean time between first injection & Surgery was 1.3yrs (6 months -2 years) Conclusions This study demonstrates the effectiveness of image guided steroid injections for thumb base osteoarthritis. Though about a quarter of these patients proceed to operative management, steroid injections can delay the same considerably.