Adding triamcinolone to viscosupplementation: one year outcome of randomized trial

Abstract

Purpose: This is an extended follow up of a randomised controlled trial to evaluate if the addition of triamcinolone to viscosupplementation could alter one-year pain and function of viscosupplementation alone. Methods: We prospectively enrolled 104 patients with knee osteoarthritis and randomized them to receive either a single intraarticular injection (6 mL) of hylan GF-20 (Group viscosupplementation [Group VS]), or a single intraarticular injection of hylan GF-20 (6 mL) and 1 mL (20 mg) of triamcinolone hexacetonide (Group VS+T). VAS, WOMACTM, and Lequesne questionnaires were completed at baseline, at weeks 1, 4, 12, 24 and at one year. Results: At week 1 the WOMAC and VAS scores were lower in Group VS+T, compared with Group VS. There was no difference regarding the adverse effects. At weeks 4, 12, 24 and one year there were no differences within the groups. At one year only Group VS+T still showed a difference from baseline for VAS. Conclusions: The addition of triamcinolone hexacetonide improves first-week symptom and functional scores of viscosupplementation and does not alter its adverse effects. There might be benefits for the one year pain results.